Prof. Akosua Darkwah
The Citizens’ Platforms on Constitutional Reform (CPCR), has called on the government to release the full report of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), in order to enable citizens participate in the ongoing constitutional reform process.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, chair of the coalition, Prof. Akosua Darkwah said citizens remain in the dark about any plan or timeline for the next stage of the constitutional review process, after the final report was submitted to the government.
“The Government must immediately release the full Constitutional Review Committee report so that citizens can examine the proposals and participate meaningfully in shaping the reforms.
“We demand that the President urgently establish the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) with broad representation from civil society, academia, professional bodies, and political actors to guide the next phase of the reform process,” she stated.
According to the Citizens’ Platforms on Constitutional Reform, which comprises over 80 civil society organisations, professional bodies, and trade unions among others, the government should release the full CRC report to the public to enable citizens review the proposed changes, understand and participate meaningfully in shaping the next steps of the reform process.
While the government may wish to present its own position on the CRC’s recommendations, the publication of a government ‘position paper’ should not delay the release of the CRC report, the coalition stated, warning that allowing such a position paper to drive the next phase of the reform process could derail progress and lead to diminished public interest.
The coalition also called for the swift establishment of the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee (CRIC), arguing that the committee should focus on the implementation and coordination of recommendations, rather than reopening the debate or revisiting the reform proposals.
“The Committee should not be another deliberative body that restarts the debate. Its task should be to implement the proposals, build consensus across all sectors of society, and ensure that the reform process is carried out effectively and without delay,” Dr. Darkwah added.
The coalition also emphasised the importance of a clear, transparent roadmap for the reform process, while calling on the government to publish a timeline that includes consultation stages, legislative steps, and any necessary referendum requirements.
The roadmap, the coalition stated, should be outlined publicly to ensure that the reform process is guided by clear procedures and timelines.
The CPCR further expressed concerns about the potential impact of delays, noting that the amendment procedures for the 1992 Constitution require a gazette notice period of three to six months for both entrenched and non-entrenched provisions.
With the timeline already under pressure, particularly given the impending political activities that would arise in 2027, the coalition urged the government to act swiftly to avoid unnecessary delays.
“Given the short time remaining, especially with political activities ramping up towards 2027, we urge the President and government to move with urgency and establish a clear, transparent implementation plan for the CRC recommendations,” the coalition stated.
Dr. Darkwah further reiterated the need for the reform process to be transparent, and involve all relevant stakeholders, from political parties and civil society to ordinary citizens.
“The President should take visible leadership in mobilising national support for constitutional reform, ensuring that this historic opportunity to strengthen Ghana’s democracy is not lost. The President must show that he intends to make this a legacy defining reform; and must be instrumental in ensuring that the implementation is successful,” she added.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah