President-Elect John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the need for a review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution to address contemporary challenges and ensure its relevance for future generations.
While acknowledging the pivotal role the Constitution has played in Ghana’s democratic journey, he pointed out areas that require refinement.
Speaking during a visit from the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, who called on him to congratulate him on his election victory, Mr. Mahama praised the Constitution as one of the best frameworks on the African continent.
However, he noted that after decades of use, it has become evident that some aspects need to be revisited.
“The time has come for us to look at our Constitution again,” he remarked. “It has served us well, and I still believe it is one of the best constitutions an African country can have. But after using it for several years, we’ve realized there are parts we need to tweak to make it more effective and ensure it serves future generations.”
A Renewed Commitment to Constitutional Review
To address these issues, Mr. Mahama promised to organize a national validation conference, bringing together key stakeholders to reignite the constitutional review process.
He highlighted the constitutional review initiated by the late President John Atta Mills, which was abandoned by subsequent governments.
He assured the nation of his commitment to reviving this important initiative.
“There may be things we flagged for amendment in the past that are no longer relevant, and there might be new challenges we hadn’t anticipated back then. The review will help us address both sets of issues and ensure the Constitution remains a strong foundation for our democracy,” he explained.
Resolving Institutional Tensions
One critical area Mr. Mahama identified for review is the relationship between Parliament and the judiciary.
He cited recent tensions where the Supreme Court overturned decisions by the Speaker of Parliament, creating an impasse between the two arms of government.
“For instance, if you look at the standoff between Parliament and the judiciary, the writers of the Constitution never anticipated such a situation. Now that it has arisen, we must clearly define the Speaker’s mandate to avoid ambiguity. This will prevent constant referrals to the Supreme Court for interpretation,” he noted.
A Constitution for the Future
Mr. Mahama underscored that the review process would not be about dismantling the Constitution but rather enhancing it to address the realities of modern governance.
He stressed the importance of inclusivity in the process, ensuring that diverse voices from across the nation are represented.
“This isn’t about tearing down what has worked for us but about building on it. By addressing the gaps and ambiguities, we can create a Constitution that is better suited to our current needs and those of future generations,” he concluded.
The President-Elect’s pledge to revisit constitutional reforms has been welcomed by many, as Ghanaians anticipate a more robust framework that addresses emerging governance challenges while safeguarding the country’s democratic principles.
Listen to H.E John Mahama in the Audio below 👇:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭
