What You Need to Know
The constitutional review committee in Ghana has submitted its final report to President John Dramani Mahama, proposing amendments to the 1992 Constitution aimed at enhancing governance. Key recommendations include extending presidential and parliamentary terms and reducing the size of the government, reflecting a desire for political stability and effective governance.
Africa. The constitutional review committee in Ghana has submitted its final report to President John Dramani Mahama, which includes a series of recommendations aimed at updating the 1992 Constitution and enhancing governance.
The report follows extensive consultations with citizens and civil society organizations, reflecting an official desire to align constitutional texts with the requirements of a new era.
Extension of Presidential and Parliamentary Terms
The committee recommended extending the presidential and parliamentary terms from four years to five, while maintaining the maximum limit of two presidential terms.
The committee believes that the current term length is too short to allow for effective implementation of government programs, as governments often find themselves preoccupied with preparing for elections before they can complete their projects.
This amendment is viewed as an attempt to strike a balance between political stability and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power.
Among the committee’s most notable recommendations is the reduction of government size by limiting the number of appointed ministers. The committee argues that reducing the number of ministerial portfolios will enhance government efficiency and rationalize public spending.
Additionally, the committee recommended opening avenues for broader citizen participation in the constitutional process and decision-making, through new mechanisms that allow them to express their opinions and directly influence public policies.
Political Background
The debate has been intense since the adoption of the 1992 Constitution regarding its ability to keep pace with political and social transformations in Ghana. Various review committees have been formed over the years, but the latest report is considered the most comprehensive.
Observers note that extending the term limits may provide governments with more time to implement their programs, but it also raises concerns about diminishing opportunities for the peaceful transfer of power. Meanwhile, reducing government size is seen as a step towards fiscal responsibility in a country facing increasing economic challenges.
The report is expected to undergo extensive discussion before any amendments are approved, and if these recommendations are adopted, they could represent a significant shift in Ghana’s political and constitutional framework, with potential implications for the stability of the democratic system in West Africa.
Since the adoption of the 1992 Constitution, discussions have persisted regarding its ability to adapt to Ghana’s evolving political and social landscape. Various review committees have been established over the years, but the latest report is considered the most comprehensive. Observers note that extending term limits could provide governments with more time to implement their programs, yet it raises concerns about the peaceful transfer of power. Meanwhile, reducing government size is viewed as a necessary step towards fiscal responsibility in a country facing increasing economic challenges.
