Constitution Review Committee to start engagements tomorrow

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) will begin engaging with both targeted stakeholders and the public as part of its ongoing review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. This marks the beginning of a comprehensive consultation process aimed at gathering input on potential amendments and reforms to the nation’s constitution.

The engagement process will unfold in two key phases. The first phase involves consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders on important constitutional issues. This will include discussions with experts in various fields, public institutions, professional organizations, trade unions, civil society groups, political parties, and the general public. These targeted consultations will allow the committee to gather specialized knowledge and diverse viewpoints to inform its work. Additionally, the second phase will consist of open-ended discussions with the general public across several zonal locations throughout the country, ensuring widespread participation in the process.

A statement issued by Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, the Secretary of the Constitution Review Committee, explained that the committee is inviting written contributions from a wide range of stakeholders. These contributions will be crucial to the review process, helping the committee consider all relevant perspectives on key constitutional matters. Stakeholders from various sectors, including legal experts, public institutions, professional bodies, trade unions, civil society organizations, political groups, and ordinary citizens, are encouraged to submit their views on the issues under consideration.

The committee has set specific deadlines for submissions related to various constitutional themes. For instance, contributions regarding Lands and Natural Resources, Decentralization, Local Government, and Chieftaincy must be submitted by March 12, 2025. Following that, the next submission deadlines are as follows:

• March 15: Contributions on Public Services and Enterprises
• March 20: Submissions on Executive Advisory Councils, including the Council of State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Police Service Council, Armed Forces Service Council, and the National Security Council, as well as Independent Constitutional Bodies, Directive Principles of State Policy, Social and Economic Rights, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), and Political Parties
• March 20: Contributions on Political Branches (Executive and Legislature), the Judiciary, and other areas such as Finance, Central Banking, Public Debt Management, Discretionary Power, Dual Citizenship, and Amendment Procedures

The committee also plans to hold public engagement sessions in regions across the country, giving ordinary Ghanaians the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to the constitutional review. These sessions will take place from April 7 to May 6, 2025, in several key cities and regions, including Accra, Tamale, Bolgatanga, Wa, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Koforidua, and Ho. The public forums will provide an open platform for citizens to discuss proposed changes to the Constitution and share their insights on the country’s governance framework.

This engagement process follows the announcement made by President John Mahama during his first State of the Nation Address to Parliament on February 27, 2025. In his address, President Mahama revealed that he had recently inaugurated the Constitution Review Committee with the task of conducting an in-depth review of the 1992 Constitution. He emphasized that the review process would ensure that the Constitution reflects the hopes and aspirations of the Ghanaian people, and he underscored the importance of engaging the public and relevant stakeholders in shaping the future of the country’s governance.

The President further clarified that the committee is made up of distinguished scholars, jurists, and professionals who will spend the next six months engaging with the public and consulting with experts on a wide range of constitutional issues. After gathering input, the committee will present its findings for public approval through a referendum. If the public approves the proposed changes, the findings will then be submitted to Parliament for enactment into law.

This initiative represents a significant effort to ensure that Ghana’s Constitution remains responsive to the evolving needs of the country and its people, fostering a more inclusive and democratic society. The committee’s work is an important step in ensuring that the Constitution remains a living document that accurately reflects the values and aspirations of Ghanaians in the 21st century.