The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has reiterated the need for the 1992 Constitution to be amended to improve the governance system of the country.
After 30 years of the promulgation of the 1992 Constitution, the party said a review of some aspects, which did not advance the course of democracy in the country must be reworked to reflect the times.
The party identified pertinent portions to be reviewed as; election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and total separation of powers.
Others are decoupling of the Office of the Attorney-General from the Ministry of Justice, introduction of the Public Declaration of Assets Regime, and clarification of eligibility of Ghanaians in the Diaspora to hold public office.
Mr Felix Mantey, the Director of Communication of the party, said until aspects of the Constitution were amended to meet development goals, celebrating that day would amount to nothing.
He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Cape Coast on the commemoration of the national Constitution Day observed on January 7, each year.
The Day seeks to celebrate the coming into force of the 1992 constitution of Ghana and the sustainability of the Fourth Republic .
Buttressing his views, he said Article 243 which dealt with the election of MMDCEs must be reviewed to stop abuse by the executive.
This will prevent abuse of power to address the challenge where the President has to appoint the majority of ministers from Parliament.
That, he explained, would promote a clear separation of powers between the executive and legislative branch of government and help Parliament perform its oversight responsibility over the executive.
Mr Mantey also called for amendment to separate the Ministry of Justice from the Office of the Attorney-General.
“It is important that the Minister of Justice, who is the government lawyer, is not the same person who is the people’s lawyer, and prosecuting crimes in the country.
“People in the government also commit crimes, so we need someone who is outside the government to prosecute all crimes,” he said.
Mr Mantey stressed the need for the public declaration of assets and liabilities to be published before and after one occupied and left public office to facilitate the fight against corruption.
He said the Constitution Review Commission (CRC), a Presidential Commission of Inquiry, set up in January 2010, solicited views of the people on the operation of the 1992 Constitution and the changes required where necessary.
The Commission was also tasked to present a draft bill for the amendment of the Constitution; however, he expressed disappointment that successive governments had failed to implement the recommendations contained in the CRC’s report.
“The massive amount of money invested in the Constitutional Review exercise must not be allowed to go waste.
“It shall remain a scar on the conscience of right-thinking Ghanaians if these fundamental changes and many other brilliant recommendations contained in the CRC’s report continue to gather dust,” he added.
Latest Stories
-
Rick Ross applauds Medikal for O2 concert, hints at collaboration
10 mins -
Limited Voter Registration Exercise: Offline voter registration to commence today
13 mins -
Amend reliefs seeking to disqualify Mahama from 2024 presidential election – Supreme Court directs Ken Kuranchie
26 mins -
Make GNPC great again – Asantehene to new CEO
27 mins -
Ghana’s Alfred Duncan helps Fiorentina book Europa Conference League final spot
29 mins -
OWASS ’99 Old Students spend over ₵500K to refurbish school compound
41 mins -
GRA provides clarity on E-VAT implementation; optimistic of its significant impact
1 hour -
Select running mate from Bono, Bono East else … – Dormaahene tells Bawumia
1 hour -
EC’s limited voter registration: 18-Year-Olds eagerly embrace voting rights in Ghana
2 hours -
‘My heart is for Berekum Chelsea now’ – Samuel Boadu
2 hours -
Chair of NDC-USA chapter Maame Aba Dadzie donates to struggling Ohiamadwen D/A Primary School
2 hours -
Train accident: Four accused persons granted GH₵800K bail
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo to order release of KPMG report
2 hours -
GPL: ‘My players had a psychological problem’ – Aboubakar Ouattara on Hearts poor run
2 hours -
Hindsight: Fatawu Issahaku’s positive defiance pays off
2 hours