Professor Kwasi Henry Prempeh has described the review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution as a smooth, thorough and well-coordinated process, attributing the outcome to clear guiding principles, teamwork and extensive public engagement by the Constitution Review Committee.

Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Monday, after the Committee submitted its final report to President John Dramani Mahama, Professor Prempeh said the work progressed seamlessly because members agreed early on to anchor the process on well-defined principles and actionable outcomes.

“I think the process unfolded quite well. What we had told ourselves at our first meeting was that we would develop what we call guiding principles. Our terms of reference were really quite open: give us actionable recommendations that will move our democracy forward,” he said, adding that adherence to this approach made the task easier and more focused.

He explained that the Committee worked collaboratively throughout the exercise, carefully examining diverse viewpoints and ensuring that recommendations reflected both public input and technical analysis.

According to Professor Prempeh, nationwide consultations were conducted systematically, allowing individuals, civil society groups, professional bodies, political actors and traditional authorities to contribute meaningfully to the review.

Key proposals in the report

The Committee’s recommendations touched on several major governance reforms. Among them are proposals to separate the executive from the legislature to reduce conflicts of interest, strengthen accountability and improve parliamentary oversight.

The report also affirms that the Constitution makes no provision for a third presidential term, a position Professor Prempeh has previously said found no political or public support during consultations.

In addition, the Committee proposed extending the presidential term from four to five years, a recommendation aimed at allowing governments sufficient time to plan, implement and evaluate policies without excessive election-driven pressure.

Other areas addressed in the report include reforms to the appointment powers of the President, strengthening independent constitutional bodies, improving local government autonomy and enhancing checks and balances within the democratic system.

The Constitution Review Committee was chaired by Professor Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and comprised Justice Sophia Akuffo Adinyira (retired Supreme Court Justice), Professor Kwame Karikari, former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei, Dr Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr Esi Ansah and Dr Rainer Akumperigeya.

The submission of the report marks the conclusion of months of public consultations and technical work, setting the stage for national debate and possible constitutional amendments aimed at deepening Ghana’s democratic governance.