A law lecturer at the GIMPA Law Faculty, Justice Srem-Sai, has said that a review or upgrade of the 1992 Constitution will not be feasible under the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Speaking at a public dialogue hosted by the Eagle Forum on Wednesday, the private legal practitioner argued that the current woes of the country can be significantly addressed if efforts are made to rectify the anomalies and existing gaps (lacunas) in the 1992 Constitution.
In his view, some portions of the 1992 Constitution have outlived their usefulness, failing to meet the demands and realities of contemporary times. This he said accounts for the crisis in governance which ultimately derails the country's progress.
But having stressed on the need for the country to embark on an urgent upgrade of the 1992 Constitution, Justice Sai expressed doubts about the possibility of such improvement on the ultimate law of the land, under President Akufo-Addo.
According to him, the President himself has been involved in several violations, which make it difficult for a constitutional upgrade under his watch.
"Under this government, we have seen a lot of limitation on human rights. For instance we have seen a downward trend in press freedom. We have also seen issues of conflict of interest which have deteriorated. And so when you put all of these things together, it is clear indication that the very issues that if you want to change the Constitution we want to improve, are the things that are going down under this government. What it tells you is that, if you put such questions out, or you suggest such amendments, you're going to have the reverse of what exactly you wanted', Justice Srem-Sai explained.
Making reference to Article 71 office holders, Mr. Srem-Sai said, at a time when there were calls for that provision to be reviewed, that was when it rather proposed that the President's spouse be included for emoluments.
This he said is one of the reasons why a constitutional upgrade cannot be successful under Akufo-Addo.
Meanwhile, a private legal practitioner and discussant at the forum, Beatrice Annan opined that the transformation of Ghana's fortunes does not solely depend on addressing the lapses in the 1992 Constitution.
She argued that, if the country excels economically, all other things will fall in place.
"In fact, the economy is everything. It translates directly into the health, education, social, political and every aspect of our lives. And so that's why I believe that constitutional amendments in themselves do not solve the challenge of underdevelopment. But economic transformation has the potential of transforming a country", Mrs. Annan explained.
The event by the Eagle Forum to discuss the 1992 Constitution at the GIMPA Law Faculty Auditorium saw many lawyers, students and legal enthusiasts coming together to share ideas on how the Constitution can be enhanced to foster the country's development.
The discussion was moderated Lom Nuku Ahlijah. Besides Justice Srem-Sai and Beatrice Annan the other discussant was Lamtiig Apanga.
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