Mahama Announces 2027 Referendum on Constitutional Amendments

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for Ghana to hold a national referendum in 2027 on proposed amendments to the 1992 Constitution, marking a significant step in the country's long-running constitutional reform process.

The referendum is expected to be held alongside the 2027 District Assembly elections, a move the government says will reduce the cost of organising a separate nationwide vote while potentially increasing voter participation.

President Mahama disclosed the plan during a Citizens' Engagement in Bolgatanga as part of his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region.

“We therefore want to add the referendum to the District Assembly elections next year. Next year, apart from voting for your Assembly Members, you will also be required to vote on the constitutional amendments,” the President said.

The government intends to pursue constitutional reform through a two-track process, reflecting the different procedures required for amending entrenched and non-entrenched provisions of the Constitution.

President Mahama said a Constitutional Review Implementation Committee would be inaugurated to harmonise the government's position with recommendations contained in previous constitutional review reports. The proposed amendments would then be separated according to their constitutional requirements.

Non-entrenched provisions can be amended through the parliamentary process, while entrenched provisions require approval through a national referendum.

Under Article 290 of the 1992 Constitution, an amendment to an entrenched provision must receive the approval of at least 75 per cent of those voting in a referendum. In addition, at least 40 per cent of persons entitled to vote must participate.

“If the referendum is successful, we will implement the amendments to the entrenched clauses. That is what we are doing with regard to governance,” President Mahama said.

Among proposals reportedly under consideration are extending the presidential term from four to five years, similarly extending Parliament's term to five years, reducing the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35, and separating the office of the Attorney-General from the Ministry of Justice.

The proposed separation of the two offices is intended to strengthen the independence of the Attorney-General, with recommendations for greater security of tenure.

Attorney-General Dominic Ayine has indicated that separate constitutional amendment bills would be prepared to deal with non-entrenched and entrenched provisions. While Parliament can determine amendments involving non-entrenched clauses, changes affecting entrenched provisions would ultimately have to be decided by Ghanaian voters.

Holding the referendum together with the District Assembly elections could also address one of the major practical challenges associated with constitutional reform: cost. A standalone referendum would require substantial expenditure on electoral materials, personnel, security and nationwide administration.

More importantly, however, the success of the exercise will depend on public understanding and national consensus. The high constitutional threshold means that government and other stakeholders will have to undertake extensive public education so that voters understand precisely what they are being asked to approve or reject.

Ghana's 1992 Constitution has governed the Fourth Republic for more than three decades. Although there have been sustained calls for reforms over the years, attempts to undertake comprehensive amendments have faced political, procedural and financial obstacles.

The proposed 2027 referendum therefore represents an important opportunity to reconsider aspects of Ghana's governance framework. But constitutional reform should go beyond changing numbers, terms of office or institutional arrangements. It must strengthen accountability, improve governance, protect democratic institutions and respond to the country's changing political and socioeconomic realities.

Ultimately, the Constitution belongs to the people. Any attempt to amend its entrenched provisions must therefore be driven not merely by political convenience, but by broad national consultation and an informed decision by Ghanaian voters.

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