Former Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has reiterated the importance of cross-sectional consultation in the ongoing constitutional review process.

The Constitution Review Consultative Committee report outlined significant proposals to amend Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile during a discussion on the Constitution Review Consultative Committee's report, he highlighted the need for inclusive national engagement to refine the proposed amendments.

• Read also: Constitution Review Consultative Committee report submitted to Akufo-Addo – Full presentation

“The next step for us from the ministry was then to open it up for a cross-sectional interrogation,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained.

“I’m talking about cross-sectional representation of the people of this country, to interrogate what we come up with.

"After that, we are going to elevate it to a national discourse, perhaps sustain it for about one month, let the people talk to it.”

The report, which has been submitted to President Akufo-Addo, proposes significant reforms, including capping the size of parliament, restructuring government positions, and requiring presidents to pay taxes.

President Akufo-Addo assured that the report would be forwarded to incoming President John Mahama, accompanied by additional notes for consideration.

President Akufo-Addo emphasised that the review process must involve extensive public input, while President-elect Mahama has indicated his commitment to subjecting the proposals to public validation.

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu underscored the alignment of these perspectives.

“What the President was talking about is about the same thing. The President-elect has already spoken to it, saying he will submit it for public validation. It’s about the same thing… We must have a cross-sectional interrogation of the issues.”

He further elaborated on plans for a national discourse, suggesting the establishment of a Consultative or Constituent Assembly to evaluate critical aspects of the Constitution, including the executive, legislature, judiciary, and independent governance institutions.