Audio By Carbonatix
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.
Latest Stories
-
Unite NPP’s various factions, address youth and women’s concerns – Mike Oquaye
22 seconds -
Make loyalty to NPP a permanent culture, not an election-season tactic – Joseph Cudjoe
14 minutes -
NPP delegates want reform without destroying party’s reputation – Joseph Cudjoe
16 minutes -
Salomey Awiti Baffoe granted GH¢100,000 bail over alleged false news publication
20 minutes -
NPP is for all social classes, not just the middle class – Mike Oquaye
25 minutes -
Freezy Mɑcbones wins WBO Africɑ Light Heɑvyweight title in Lɑgos, Nigeria
28 minutes -
John Boadu is ‘an exceptionally gifted political figure’ – Prof Mike Oquaye
44 minutes -
NDC must study NPP congress closely for strategic lessons – Mustapha Gbande
51 minutes -
NDC has built strong structures to face any electoral challenge – Mustapha Gbande
1 hour -
John Boadu can appeal across Ghana’s social groups – Prof Mike Oquaye
1 hour -
‘Electing Kojo Bamba is backward politics’ – Mustapha Gbande
1 hour -
Government must order payment of promoted teachers’ salaries – GNAT
2 hours -
Meet Sethina Edem Sunu, the healthcare professional eyeing the NDC UK & Ireland deputy organiser role
2 hours -
The myth of ‘sophisticated customer experience’ in the digital age
2 hours -
What happened to lands reserved for sanitary sites? -WasteCare CEO calls for audit
2 hours