President-elect John Dramani Mahama has declared that the time is ripe for Ghana’s Constitution to undergo a comprehensive review, citing the pressing need for reforms to address critical governance issues.
Speaking during a visit by a delegation from the Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC), who congratulated him on his electoral victory, Mr. Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s Constitution has long been overdue for revision.
He noted that such a review would pave the way for amendments aimed at strengthening democracy and improving governance structures.
“The Constitution has been crying out for a review, and I believe it is time for us to address this. Prof. Mills began this process, and I continued it, but unfortunately, legal challenges halted the progress. Now, we must revisit this issue,” he said. “That’s why we will convene the National Constitution Review Validation Conference to chart the way forward.”
Mr. Mahama explained that the conference would be an inclusive platform, bringing together traditional rulers, political leaders, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Their collective input would ensure that the revised Constitution reflects the aspirations and needs of the Ghanaian people.
“Chiefs and stakeholders will play a critical role in the National Constitution Review Conference. This inclusive process will help us identify what is relevant to modern Ghana and facilitate amendments that address longstanding challenges, such as the ‘winner-takes-all’ system in our governance,” he stated.
The president-elect also highlighted the excessive powers granted to the presidency as a key issue to be addressed in the constitutional review.
He argued that a more balanced distribution of power would promote accountability and reduce the centralization of decision-making.
“The President should not hold all the power when it comes to decision-making. A review of the Constitution can address this imbalance and create a governance system that works better for everyone,” Mr. Mahama asserted.
His commitment to revisiting constitutional reforms signals a renewed focus on fostering inclusivity, fairness, and accountability in Ghana’s governance.
By tackling issues such as power centralization and the ‘winner-takes-all’ dynamic, the proposed amendments aim to strengthen democratic institutions and promote national unity.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh (#RomeoWrites✍️) / Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭