Martin Amidu has launched a scathing attack on Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Chair of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), accusing him of hypocrisy and ideological deception. Amidu’s criticism centers around Prempeh’s recent proposals regarding the future of the Council of State, which Amidu believes are motivated by a desire to undermine the institution that facilitated Prempeh’s own rise to prominence.
According to Amidu, Prempeh’s suggestions for reform are marked by paradox, hypocrisy, and a lack of narrative coherence. Amidu points out that Prempeh accepted an appointment to the Law Reform Commission after President Akufo-Addo consulted the Council of State yet now speaks out against the Council’s existence. Amidu views this as a blatant example of double speak, where Prempeh is attempting to distance himself from the very institution that enabled his own political career.
Amidu also questions the credibility of the platform and institutions from which Prempeh delivered his remarks. Specifically, Amidu criticizes the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) as “comprador NGOs” that serve the interests of their foreign financiers rather than being neutral entities. Amidu argues that these organizations work in tandem with Ghanaian political elites to further their own agendas, casting doubt on the motivations behind Prempeh’s proposals.
Furthermore, Amidu challenges the philosophical basis of Prempeh’s argument for reform. Amidu accuses Prempeh of pretending that the Constitution is self-executing, ignoring the crucial role that human integrity plays in upholding the document’s norms and rules. According to Amidu, Prempeh’s stance is characteristic of ideological constitutional law advocates who deceive by oversimplifying the complexities of governance.
In an open letter, Amidu’s criticism of Prempeh’s proposals highlights the ongoing debates surrounding Ghana’s governance structures. Amidu’s accusations of hypocrisy and ideological deception underscore the need for transparency and accountability in public discourse. As the Constitutional Review Committee continues its work, the exchange between Amidu and Prempeh sheds light on the complexities of constitutional reform and the challenges of navigating Ghana’s political landscape.
The controversy surrounding Prempeh’s proposals has sparked a wider conversation about the role of institutions like the Council of State and the influence of NGOs in shaping public policy. As Ghana navigates its democratic journey, the debate highlights the importance of critically examining the motivations and actions of public figures and institutions. By engaging with these issues, Ghanaians can work towards a more nuanced understanding of their country’s governance structures and the challenges that lie ahead.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
