Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the 2025 Constitution Review Committee (CRC), has justified the ongoing review of the 1992 Constitution, saying it would strengthen governance and improve efficiency.

He explained that lessons from the practice of the Constitution and key political developments over the years necessitate amendments to reinforce Ghana’s democratic framework.

Speaking at a public lecture on “2025 Review of Ghana’s Constitution: Findings and the Way Ahead,” organised by the School of Communication Studies, Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, Prof Prempeh said governance, cultural and environmental challenges had exposed gaps in the Constitution, making the review essential to address evolving national needs.

He cited examples including the death of former President John Evans Atta‑Mills, two presidential election petitions, the use of Article 146 to remove an Electoral Commission Chairperson, her two deputies and a Chief Justice, as well as the emergence of a hung Parliament where the opposition secured the Speakership.

Prof Prempeh said the lecture, the first since the completion and handover of the CRC’s full report to the Presidency in January 2026, explored the implications of constitutional reform and the choices facing Ghana’s democracy.

He noted that experience gained during the practice of the Constitution highlighted specific problems in national and local governance that could be addressed through amendments.

Prof Prempeh acknowledged that the 1992 Constitution had brought peace and stability but questioned whether it had equally promoted prosperity and development for all citizens.

“There is no doubt that the Fourth Republic has delivered prosperity. But has it been equally shared between the political class and the citizenry for us to be able to say that the Constitution has served us all well?” he asked.

He said the Committee found strong citizen interest in the review, with both elites and ordinary Ghanaians calling for reforms to improve governance.

Prof Prempeh explained that citizens sought more than a change in leadership; they wanted improvements in the quality and outcomes of governance.

“Ghanaians like the democratic elections and the processes connected with it but are dissatisfied with the governance and developmental outcomes,” he said.

He said the Committee proposed reforms including restructuring public sector governance, the local government system, and institutions such as the National Development Planning Commission, the National Security Council and the Office of the Attorney General.

Prof Prempeh said the report recommended reforming appointment processes of key constitutional bodies, including the Electoral Commission, advocating merit-based selections to insulate them from political influence.

The Committee also proposed the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to enhance accountability and strengthen grassroots democracy.

Prof Prempeh disclosed that the Committee proposed establishing an independent anti-corruption commission with exclusive prosecutorial authority, separate from existing state institutions.

He said the report recommended a standalone regulator for political parties, as the Electoral Commission currently cannot fully execute that mandate.

“Once we are able to regulate the money in politics, including the fees parties charge, the regulator will have to approve the fees parties charge for allowing a candidate to contest the primaries,” he said.