Constitution Review Committee submits draft report
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Constitution Review Committee’s (CRC’s) draft report on the review of the 1992 Constitution may be presented to President John Dramani Mahama by the end of September or the first week in October this year, the Secretary to the committee, Dr Rainer Akumperigya, has said.
This follows the completion of the committee’s work, which included engagement with the public and stakeholder consultations on key constitutional matters for the review of the 1992 Constitution.
"We are working hard to finalise the draft report, and we expect to present it to the President by the end of September. We have met with various stakeholders, including the Council of State and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), and we are considering all the submissions we have received," he said.
Dr Akumperigya, who disclosed this in an interview with the Daily Graphic, said some of the key issues that came up during the stakeholder consultations and the public engagements were the presidential term limits, reducing the excessive powers of the President to appoint, the appointment of Ministers from Parliament and the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
After submitting the draft report, he said the committee would continue to work with Parliament and the Executive to ensure a smooth implementation process.
Amendment process
Dr Akumperigya emphasised that the committee's work does not end with the submission of the report; it will still be required to provide explanations and clarifications to Parliament and other stakeholders.
The CRC Secretary explained that the committee's recommendations would be formulated in the form of bills, which would then be considered by Parliament. If the recommendations affect entrenched clauses, they would require a referendum, with a 40 per cent voter turnout and 75 per cent approval.
He said the committee has been meeting with experts from other jurisdictions, including former Supreme Court judges and constitutional law experts, to gain insights into global best practices and trends.
He explained that while the committee would consider global perspectives, it would also ensure that its recommendations are tailored to the country’s specific context.
Gratitude
The committee extended its profound gratitude to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for its invaluable partnership in organising the zonal engagements.
The CRC also acknowledged, with deep appreciation, the support and participation of chiefs, Tindaana, traditional leaders, regional ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the general public whose contributions ensured the success of the engagements across the country.
Background
President Mahama established the CRC on January 25 under the chairmanship of Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh.
It is tasked to identify key areas of the Constitution that need updating to align with the country’s evolving democratic and socio-economic realities.
Its mandate involves reviewing past recommendations, engaging relevant stakeholders and suggesting reforms to strengthen Ghana’s governance system.
