Don't lecture Ghana on constitutional reforms — Ras Mubarak to Swiss Ambassador

Former Kumbungu Member of Parliament Ras Mubarak has criticised comments by the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana on the country's constitutional arrangement.

His response follows remarks by Ambassador Simone Giger, suggesting that Ghana's presidency is too powerful and that the country's constitutional amendment should address it.

In an open letter shared on social media on Thursday, July 9, Mubarak argued that while debates over the powers of the presidency are legitimate, they should be led by Ghanaians through established constitutional and democratic processes.

"Yes, the debate about the powers of Ghana's presidency is legitimate. Ghanaians are already having it ourselves through the Constitutional Review Committee, Parliament, civil society, and media conversations. That is our right and our responsibility," he noted.

"Ghana will decide Ghana's constitution. Not Bern. Not Washington. Not London. Accra will," he added.

The former lawmaker contended that Switzerland also faces significant constitutional and governance challenges and should address those before offering advice to Ghana.

He cited issues including constitutional amendments, the 2009 minaret ban, the lack of voting rights for millions of foreign residents, inequalities among Swiss cantons, and what he described as delays in implementing major reforms because of the country's referendum system.

He stressed that although Ghana's Constitution is not without flaws, it was deliberately designed after years of military rule to prevent excessive concentration of power while providing institutional checks through Parliament, the Judiciary and the Council of State.

Mubarak stressed that Ghana remains open to international partnerships and the exchange of ideas but said such engagements should be based on mutual respect rather than what he described as lectures from foreign governments.