Constitution Review Committee holds forum in Bolgatanga

The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has officially kicked off its nationwide zonal public consultation exercise, beginning with a robust and highly interactive regional forum held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Akayet Hotel in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

This inaugural forum is the first of several regional engagements designed to gather broad public opinion and expert perspectives on possible reforms to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The event marks a major milestone in the CRC’s mission to foster inclusive, citizen-driven constitutional reform.

To expand public reach and engagement, the session was complemented by live-streaming services and a series of in-depth media interviews granted by the CRC Chair and Secretary on local radio stations, allowing people across the region and beyond to engage with the process.

The Bolgatanga forum drew a rich cross-section of participants, including paramount chiefs, Tindana, civil society actors, disability rights advocates, youth leaders, political party representatives, traditional authorities, district assembly members, teachers, clergy, professionals, journalists, retirees, and students. The level of participation reflected both the relevance of the review process and the deep public interest in constitutional change.

Key issues dominating the forum included proposed reforms to Ghana’s local government system, with particular focus on fiscal decentralisation and the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Participants also debated the role of traditional leaders in modern governance, equity in natural resource management and benefit-sharing, and the need to re-examine the balance of power between the Executive and Parliament.

Some contributors, including the local Tindana, submitted written memoranda to the Committee, highlighting specific recommendations and underscoring the seriousness with which stakeholders are engaging with the process.

CRC officials expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout and the quality of submissions received. They reaffirmed their commitment to conducting a transparent, participatory and inclusive review process that reflects the voices and aspirations of ordinary Ghanaians.

“The level of engagement we’ve seen here in Bolgatanga sets the tone for what we hope to achieve across the country — a truly national conversation that informs meaningful constitutional reform,” a committee spokesperson noted.

The public consultations will continue in the coming weeks, with scheduled forums in all remaining regions. The CRC says its goal is to ensure that every Ghanaian—regardless of geography, social standing, or political affiliation—has a say in shaping the future of the country’s governance structure.