Youth organisations in Ghana are demanding a stronger role in the ongoing constitutional review process, calling for reforms to limit executive power, strengthen state institutions and increase youth representation in governance.
The groups argue that young people must be actively involved in shaping decisions about the country’s political and governance systems, rather than being treated as passive observers in a process that will influence their future.
President of the Ghana Youth Federation, Sharif Ghali, said the youth must not be excluded from discussions on constitutional reforms, insisting that their views and concerns should be reflected in the proposals being considered.
According to him, young people want a meaningful role not only in the review of the 1992 Constitution but also in broader national decision-making. He believes their participation is necessary to ensure that reforms respond to the aspirations and concerns of the younger generation.
The proposals were presented at the third seminar of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) Views and Reflections series, which brought together stakeholders to examine Ghana’s constitutional review process and possible changes to the country’s governance arrangements.
Discussions at the seminar focused on the exercise of executive authority, the strengthening of public institutions and ways to improve representation in governance. The youth groups are advocating reforms that would promote accountability, improve institutional effectiveness and create more opportunities for young people to contribute to national development.
The call for limits on executive power forms part of broader concerns about how authority is exercised within Ghana’s constitutional system. The groups believe that reviewing existing governance arrangements could help strengthen checks and balances and improve the functioning of democratic institutions.
They also maintain that expanding youth participation would help ensure that constitutional reforms reflect the needs of a significant section of the population, particularly in areas such as employment, education, economic opportunities and representation in public life.
The youth organisations say meaningful participation should go beyond attending consultations and seminars, with young people given opportunities to contribute ideas, influence discussions and have their concerns considered in the final reform proposals.
Their demands come amid wider national discussions on reviewing Ghana’s 1992 Constitution to address governance challenges and improve the operation of democratic institutions. The outcome of the review process could shape future debates on executive authority, institutional accountability and citizen participation in the country’s governance.
The groups are therefore urging stakeholders involved in the review process to ensure that youth perspectives receive adequate attention as proposals for constitutional change are developed and considered.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa
