Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has stated that the Council of State's reported advice against the passage of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025, does not mark the end of the legislative process, stressing that the final decision rests with Parliament.

In a statement issued after it was announced that the Council of State had advised against the Bill, Mr Opoku, who is a co-sponsor of the proposed legislation, said the Council's role in the constitutional amendment process is important and deserving of respect. However, he emphasised that its advice is not binding on Parliament.

“The Council of State performs a vital constitutional role by offering advice on constitutional amendment bills. We respect that role and appreciate its contribution to our democracy. However, its advice is advisory and not binding on Parliament,” he stated.

According to him, Parliament remains the constitutionally mandated body to consider the Bill, receive committee reports, debate its merits and determine whether it should be passed.

He added that the proposed amendment would now proceed to the next stage of the legislative process, including committee scrutiny and parliamentary debate, where stakeholders would continue to have the opportunity to express their views.

Mr Opoku further noted that the Constitutional Review Committee, following extensive consultations with Ghanaians both at home and in the diaspora, had recommended the repeal of the constitutional restrictions that the Bill seeks to remove.

He said those recommendations also form an important part of the constitutional debate that Parliament will consider in its deliberations.

He welcomed the public discussions generated by the Bill, stressing that constitutional reform should be guided by informed debate, respect for democratic institutions and the national interest.

“The final decision rests with Parliament, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana,” he said.