Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team, Grace Akosua Amoabeng, has emphasized that her party has the mandate to scrutinize the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) report presented to President John Dramani Mahama, outlining extensive proposals for amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
Speaking on GHOne Morning Show, Akosua Amoabeng stated that despite some agitation by members of the ruling party suggesting that it is needless for the NPP to scrutinize the report, she holds the view that it is relevant for the party to identify some anomalies in the report.
“Even in the NDC, some do not agree to the five-year term. Now the final thing is out. So it’s right for the party to set up a committee to also look at the proposal critically, to see if there is something that has been taken out or added.
So I don’t think it’s just to make noise – we as a party are even waiting for them (NDC) to tell us what their stand is as a party, so that we all work together as one.”
The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), chaired by Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, presented its final report to President Mahama, outlining major recommendations including a proposal to shift the date for presidential elections from December to November.
According to the Committee, this change is intended to provide more time for a smoother transition between administrations. The shift would extend the transition period from one month to two months, allowing for what the CRC describes as a more structured handover process.
The Committee also proposed substantive changes to the Council of State. It recommends reforms that would realign the Council’s structure and functioning with the original intent behind its creation, aimed at enhancing accountability and improving its advisory role to the government.
Another key recommendation is the extension of the presidential term from four years to five years. The CRC argues that a longer term would strengthen policy continuity and provide government with a better opportunity to deliver on its development agenda.
The Committee further recommended that the minimum age requirement for presidential candidates be reduced from 40 to 30 years, describing the current age limit as unnecessarily restrictive.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke