President John Dramani Mahama has praised the work of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), describing its recommendations as bold, timely, and essential for deepening Ghana’s democratic system.
Speaking in Accra on Monday, December 22, after receiving the Committee’s final report, President Mahama acknowledged that some proposals may be seen as far-reaching but emphasized that they are necessary to strengthen governance and rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.
“I think that many of the recommendations you’ve made are quite revolutionary. Some are quite radical, but I think it’s in the interest of our democracy,” he said.
He added, “It is important for us to let our citizens know that democratic governance is still better than any other form of governance.”
President Mahama highlighted that democracy allows citizens the freedom to express themselves and realize their creative potential, unlike military or authoritarian systems where power is concentrated at the top. He also pointed to democratic setbacks in parts of the West African subregion, noting that Ghana’s proposed constitutional reforms come at a critical time to safeguard the country’s democratic credentials.
On implementation, he assured that the government will adopt a collaborative, bipartisan approach, engaging political parties and other stakeholders to implement as many recommendations as possible.
Regarding proposed changes to the Council of State, President Mahama said strengthening its role in presidential appointments would enhance transparency and credibility, while preserving the president’s constitutional authority.
The Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has proposed several major reforms, including:
Shortening election campaign periods to allow governments more time to focus on governance
Extending the presidential term from four to five years
Separating the Executive from Parliament
Restructuring the Council of State according to its 1969 framework
Redefining the role of chiefs in local governance
Depoliticising state-owned enterprises
Improving public sector appointment procedures
Splitting the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) into separate human rights and anti-corruption bodies
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