President Mahama sets up 8-member Constitutional Review Committee

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed a Constitution Review Committee to spearhead the amendment of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, fulfilling his promise to implement the constitutional review process.

The eight-member committee is chaired by Prof. H. Kwesi Prempeh, a distinguished legal scholar and advocate for democratic governance.

Other members include Justice Sophia Adinyirah, Prof. Kwame Karikari, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, Dr. Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr. Esi Ansah, and Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya, who will serve as the secretary.

According to a statement from the presidency, the committee is tasked with addressing gaps and challenges identified in the work of previous constitutional review bodies, including the 2010 Constitution Review Commission and the 2023 Constitution Review Consultative Committee.

The team will also engage stakeholders to solicit views on proposed amendments.

“The composition of the Committee underscores the President’s desire to engage persons of proven expertise, dedication to the service of the nation, and commitment to good governance,” the statement noted.

Prof. Prempeh and his team are expected to present actionable recommendations within five months, aimed at enhancing democratic governance and addressing challenges with the current constitution.

The committee’s mandate includes revisiting concerns raised in earlier constitutional reviews, which some analysts say were not fully implemented.

Key among these are issues surrounding governance structures, decentralization, and public accountability.

The presidency emphasized that the recommendations will be considered seriously by the government to ensure the reforms reflect the aspirations of Ghanaians.