Tuesday, 14 July

Cabinet begins final review of government's position on constitutional reforms

News
President John Dramani Mahamad

Cabinet has begun its third and final session to consider the government's position paper on proposals to review Ghana's 1992 Constitution.

Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced on Tuesday, July 14, that the meeting was underway and would conclude Cabinet's deliberations on the constitutional reform proposals. 

The meeting follows two earlier Cabinet sessions held to consider recommendations submitted by the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), chaired by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh.

The CRC presented its final report to President John Dramani Mahama on December 22, 2025, after conducting nationwide consultations with citizens across the country. The committee was tasked with reviewing previous constitutional reform proposals and identifying areas where Ghana's constitutional framework could be strengthened. 

Among the committee's key recommendations are extending the presidential term from four to five years, ending the practice of ministers serving simultaneously as Members of Parliament, establishing an independent Emoluments Commission, and reforming the appointment process for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). 

President Mahama has said the proposed reforms are intended to strengthen the 1992 Constitution rather than undermine it. 

Unlike a commission of inquiry, which requires a government white paper, the constitutional review process requires the government to prepare a position paper setting out its response to the committee's recommendations.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu has explained that not all the recommendations will be adopted, with some expected to be accepted, others modified and some rejected based on practical considerations. 

Once Cabinet approves the position paper, it is expected to be made public.

The Attorney General and the government's legal team will then harmonise the position paper with the CRC's report before both documents are submitted to the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee to begin the next phase of the reform process. 

Source: classfmonline.com