Leaders of Democracy Hub
Civil society pressure group, Democracy Hub, has expressed its support for constitutional reform proposals urging the government to act with transparency and urgency.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the group’s Director of Policy and Research, Kirchuffs Atengbla, said although the group welcomes several recommendations put forward by the Constitutional Review Committee, its backing depends on the release of the full report.
“We cannot give unconditional endorsement to proposals whose full legal and institutional content remains unpublished. The release of the full report is the precondition for any further engagement by this platform and the Ghanaian public,” he said.
Mr. Atengbla explained that Democracy Hub supports a range of proposals aimed at strengthening governance and democratic participation, including reducing the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 30 years and capping ministerial appointments.
He noted that “establishing limits on executive appointments and opening up leadership opportunities to younger people are important steps toward building a more inclusive democracy.”
The group also stated that they back proposals to prevent Members of Parliament from serving as ministers or Deputy Ministers, extend presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years, and allow dual citizens to contest parliamentary elections.
Mr. Atengbla said the group supports removing the delegate system in favour of full membership voting.
“We support the abolition of the delegate system because internal party democracy must reflect the will of the broader membership, not a limited few,” he stressed.
He added that proposals to establish an independent regulator for political parties and create a democracy fund are necessary to improve transparency and fairness in political financing. He reiterated support for the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, saying it would deepen accountability at the local level.
He further urged the establishment of a multi-stakeholder implementation committee within one week, stressing that youth inclusion must go beyond symbolism.
“Youth inclusion must be substantive, not ceremonial. Young people must be part of decision-making, not just observers,” he emphasised.
Mr. Atengbla also advised against the premature issuance of a government white paper before a comprehensive national consultation process is completed.
“A position paper issued at this stage risks signalling a predetermined outcome, undermining public trust and weakening the consensus this process depends on. We are available as advocates, as civil society partners and as direct participants in any consultative framework. What we are not prepared to do is wait indefinitely,” he said.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong