Ghana stands at the cusp of a significant constitutional review, a process fueled by increased public engagement, evolving political dynamics, and a renewed commitment from the government. Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), expressed optimism about the potential for meaningful reforms, citing a confluence of factors that make this moment particularly opportune. Unlike previous attempts, such as the 2010 review under President Atta Mills, the current environment is characterized by a more informed and assertive citizenry actively demanding changes that reflect the contemporary realities of Ghanaian society. This heightened public awareness, combined with the government’s explicit inclusion of constitutional reform in its campaign agenda, creates both an expectation and an obligation to deliver on the promised changes.
A key driver of this momentum towards constitutional review is the increased citizen engagement in political discourse. Ghanaians are more vocal and assertive in expressing their views on governance, aided by the rise of social media platforms. This has amplified public discourse, allowing for a broader spectrum of voices to be heard and creating a more direct channel for citizens to engage with political issues. The new generation, having grown up in this era of increased access to information and digital connectivity, holds distinct perspectives on governance and is demanding reforms that align with their vision for the country’s future. This generational shift in political consciousness adds another layer of pressure for meaningful constitutional review.
Furthermore, the political landscape of Ghana has undergone significant transformations since the last major review effort. Several pivotal events have shaped the national conversation and highlighted potential areas for constitutional reform. The two election petitions filed since 2011 have brought issues of electoral transparency and accountability to the forefront. The experience of a hung parliament underscores the need for clearer mechanisms for power-sharing and legislative effectiveness. The occurrence of a one-term presidency highlights the potential volatility of political power and the need for constitutional safeguards to ensure stability and continuity. Finally, the alternation of power between political parties demonstrates the dynamism of Ghana’s democracy and the evolving demands placed on the constitutional framework.
These combined experiences have fostered a climate of anticipation and demand for constitutional change. They have provided valuable lessons about the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system, informing the public discourse and shaping the expectations for reform. The current government, having campaigned on a platform of “resetting” the governance of the country, has an explicit mandate to address these issues. The “reset agenda,” as articulated during the campaign, explicitly included constitutional reforms, underscoring the government’s commitment to this process. The current political configuration, with the government enjoying a relatively stable parliamentary majority, provides a unique opportunity to effectively implement the necessary changes.
Professor Prempeh emphasized the importance of this unique political opportunity. Unlike previous attempts at constitutional reform, the current government appears to have the necessary parliamentary support to enact significant changes. This increased political will, combined with the heightened public engagement and the evolving political landscape, creates a confluence of factors that favor the prospects of comprehensive constitutional reforms. The combination of public pressure, political commitment, and favorable parliamentary dynamics offers a unique window for achieving meaningful and lasting changes to the constitutional framework.
The successful implementation of these reforms requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. The government must demonstrate a genuine commitment to listening to the voices of the people and incorporating public input into the review process. The CRC, under Professor Prempeh’s leadership, plays a critical role in facilitating this dialogue and ensuring that the proposed changes reflect the aspirations of the Ghanaian people. Civil society organizations, academia, and the media have a vital role to play in informing the public, fostering debate, and holding the government accountable throughout the process. Ultimately, the success of this endeavor rests on the collective will and commitment of all Ghanaians to create a constitution that reflects their shared values and aspirations for the future of their nation.
