Akufo-Addo and Bawumia
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia have thrown their weight behind the amendment of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, advocating for revisions to various aspects of the nation’s foundational law.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for constitutional amendments during his lecture at UPSA in February. He called for the reduction of presidential powers, addressing ex-gratia concerns, and reforming the process for electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Dr. Bawumia stressed the importance of extensive public consultation to ensure broad consensus on key issues.
President Akufo-Addo echoed these sentiments, urging a cautious reassessment of Ghana’s Constitution. He recognized the document’s role in the nation’s progress over the past three decades while stressing the need to adapt to changing circumstances. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the Constitution’s significance as the bedrock of Ghana’s democratic governance and cautioned against hasty amendments. However, he also acknowledged the need for flexibility to address evolving needs.
The endorsements from both leaders signal a commitment to a thorough review process aimed at ensuring the Constitution remains responsive to Ghana’s aspirations and challenges. Their support paves the way for a comprehensive examination of the Constitution, with a focus on strengthening democratic institutions and fostering national unity.
Various stakeholders, including former President John Dramani Mahama, the Fix The Country movement, and Akwasi Addai Odike, have previously called for a constitutional review. With growing consensus on the need for change, the debate now centers on whether to amend or review the current Constitution.
Having been in operation for 32 uninterrupted years, spanning eight parliamentary terms and now moving into the ninth, Ghana’s Constitution faces scrutiny as the country’s political landscape evolves. Despite challenges, Ghana prides itself on its commitment to multiparty democracy, underscoring the importance of ensuring that any constitutional amendments reflect the nation’s democratic principles and values.
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