President John Dramani Mahama, in his first public address following his inauguration, outlined his commitment to establishing a committee tasked with orchestrating a National Constitutional Review Validation Conference. This conference, a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda, aims to forge a widespread consensus on proposed constitutional amendments, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach to shaping the nation’s future legal framework. Addressing the 92nd Annual Jalsa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, themed “Justice and Peace; The Essential Ingredient for National Development,” President Mahama emphasized the importance of the mandate bestowed upon him by the Ghanaian people, highlighting the critical need for impartiality and fairness in governance.
The President underscored the significance of justice as a guiding principle in all governmental actions, from policy decisions to legal frameworks and interactions with the citizenry. He pledged that his new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration would prioritize bolstering the nation’s justice system. This commitment encompasses ensuring judicial independence and addressing existing systemic inequalities, aiming to create a truly equitable legal landscape where every Ghanaian, regardless of their background or status, receives equal protection under the law and is treated with dignity.
Achieving this objective of comprehensive justice, according to President Mahama, necessitates reinvigorating the stalled constitutional review process. The proposed National Constitutional Review Validation Conference will serve as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, gathering diverse perspectives, and ultimately reaching a national consensus on crucial constitutional amendments. This approach underscores the President’s commitment to a participatory and inclusive process of constitutional reform, ensuring that the resulting framework reflects the collective will of the Ghanaian people.
Alhaj Maulana Noor Mohammed Bin Salih, the Ameer and Missionary in Charge of the Ahmadiyaa Muslim Mission, echoed the President’s sentiments, interpreting the strong mandate received by President Mahama as a testament to the electorate’s desire for justice and peace as prerequisites for national development. He emphasized the importance of pragmatism, a focus on practicality over aesthetics, in pursuing these goals. This resonates with the President’s focus on tangible improvements to the justice system and the broader governance framework, moving beyond symbolic gestures towards concrete actions that will directly impact the lives of Ghanaians.
The President’s commitment to constitutional review demonstrates a forward-looking approach to governance, recognizing the Constitution as a living document that must adapt to the evolving needs and aspirations of the nation. The proposed conference will provide a structured framework for addressing critical issues and potentially updating various aspects of the Constitution. This proactive stance towards constitutional reform signifies a commitment to strengthening the foundation of Ghanaian democracy, ensuring that it remains relevant and responsive to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
By prioritizing justice, fairness, and inclusive governance, President Mahama aims to create a more equitable and prosperous Ghana. The National Constitutional Review Validation Conference represents a key step in this journey, offering a platform for national dialogue and consensus-building on crucial constitutional amendments. This initiative, coupled with the President’s pledge to strengthen the justice system and address systemic inequalities, signals a renewed focus on creating a society where all Ghanaians have the opportunity to thrive under a robust and equitable legal framework.
