Constitution review will address governance challenges — Prof. Kwasi Prempeh

The Chairman of the 2025 Constitution Review Committee (CRC), Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has explained that the review of the 1992 Constitution is to address governance challenges and strengthen democratic institutions.

He noted that the lessons from the practice of the Constitution and key political developments over the years necessitate amendments to reinforce Ghana’s democratic framework.  

He, therefore, said the process must reflect the views of a new generation of citizens and consider emerging regional developments, including the resurgence of coups in parts of West Africa.

Lecture

Speaking at a public lecture on the “2025 Review of Ghana’s Constitution: Findings and the way ahead,” and organised by the School of Communication Studies, Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, Prof. Prempeh said the ongoing review of the Constitution would strengthen governance and improve efficiency..

Prof. Prempeh said governance, cultural and environmental challenges had exposed gaps in the Constitution, making the review essential to address evolving national needs.  

He cited examples, including the death of former President John Evans Atta Mills, two presidential election petitions, the use of Article 146 to remove an Electoral Commission Chairperson, her two deputies and a Chief Justice, as well as the emergence of a hung Parliament in which the opposition secured the Speakership.  

He said the lecture, the first since the completion and handover of the CRC’s full report to the Presidency in December 2025, explored the implications of constitutional reform and the choices facing Ghana’s democracy.  

Experiences

Prof. Prempeh noted that experience gained during the practice of the Constitution highlighted specific problems in national and local governance that could be addressed through amendments.  

He acknowledged that the 1992 Constitution had brought peace and stability but questioned whether it had equally promoted prosperity and development for all citizens.  

“There is no doubt that the Fourth Republic has delivered prosperity. But has it been equally shared between the political class and the citizenry for us to be able to say that the Constitution has served us all well?” he asked.  

Citizen interest

Prof. Prempeh said the committee found strong citizen interest in the review, with both elites and ordinary Ghanaians calling for reforms to improve governance.  

He explained that citizens sought more than a change in leadership; they wanted improvements in the quality and outcomes of governance.  

“Ghanaians like the democratic elections and the processes connected with it, but are dissatisfied with the governance and developmental outcomes,” he said.  

He said the committee proposed reforms, including restructuring public-sector governance, the local government system and institutions such as the National Development Planning Commission, the National Security Council and the Office of the Attorney General.  

Appointments

Prof. Prempeh said the report recommended reforming appointment processes of key constitutional bodies, including the Electoral Commission, advocating merit-based selections to insulate them from political influence.  

The committee, he said, also proposed the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to enhance accountability and strengthen grassroots democracy.  

He indicated that the committee proposed establishing an independent anti-corruption commission with exclusive prosecutorial authority, separate from existing state institutions.  

Prof. Prempeh said the report recommended a standalone regulator for political parties because the Electoral Commission cannot fully execute that mandate.  

“Once we are able to regulate the money in politics, including the fees parties charge, the regulator will have to approve the fees parties charge for allowing a candidate to contest primaries,” he said. — GNA