Ghana Moves Toward Major Constitutional Reforms: What You Need to Know - Voice of Africa Broadcast & Media Production
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Ghana Moves Toward Major Constitutional Reforms: What You Need to Know

Ghana is once again at a critical point in its democratic journey as the government pushes forward with proposals to amend the 1992 Constitution. A long-anticipated review process has brought fresh ideas, widespread public engagement and spirited debate about how the country should be governed in the future.

A Renewed Push for Change

President John Dramani Mahama formally received the final report of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) on 22 December 2025, marking the end of nearly a year of work by the committee. The CRC was established earlier in 2025 to identify weaknesses in the existing constitution and recommend reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions. Ghana Business News

The Committee, chaired by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, spent months consulting broadly with citizens, civil society groups, experts, traditional leaders and stakeholders across all regions. Nationwide engagements, including ten zonal public forums, drew in more than 21,500 Ghanaians, covering issues from governance to decentralisation. GBC Ghana Online

What the Proposals Say

The CRC’s report is wide-ranging, touching on several key areas of the constitution that many Ghanaians have long viewed as in need of reform:

1. Presidential Term and Powers
One of the most talked-about recommendations is the proposal to extend the presidential term from four years to five. This change has already sparked public debate, with some seeing it as a way to ensure policy continuity, while others worry it could reduce executive accountability. A recent poll suggests that a majority of voters are in favour of this proposal, with around 57% supporting the extension. CitiNewsroom.com

Officials have also clarified that this change would not apply to the current president, meaning President Mahama’s ongoing term would not be extended retroactively. newsghana.com.gh

2. Separation of Powers
The review committee recommended structural reforms to strengthen the balance between the legislature and the executive. One proposal would prevent Members of Parliament (MPs) from simultaneously serving as Ministers, a move aimed at clarifying the distinction between law-making and government administration. Modern Ghana

3. Council of State Reforms
The CRC also proposed strengthening the role of the Council of State, giving it a more meaningful oversight role in key national decisions — though not granting it veto power over government policy. This is intended to make the Council a substantive advisory body with real influence. MyJoyOnline

4. Lower Minimum Age for President
Among the ideas gaining attention is a proposal to lower the minimum age requirement for presidential candidates from 40 to 30 years. This recommendation has drawn support from some legal practitioners and youth advocates, who see it as a way of encouraging greater youth participation in national leadership. MyJoyOnline

Public Input and Democratic Influence

The constitutional review process has emphasised public participation. Beyond zonal engagements, the Committee received hundreds of written memoranda from citizens, civil society organisations, professional bodies and other stakeholders. More than 600 submissions were recorded, with many more voices contributing online via interactive platforms. Graphic Online

Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, a CRC member, stressed that every Ghanaian has the right to propose changes, and that the Committee’s recommendations were shaped by extensive consultations and diverse input. MyJoyOnline

Political and Parliamentary Response

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has responded to the CRC’s report by establishing an internal committee to review the recommendations and align them with the party’s stance ahead of broader national discussions. This is part of preparations for further deliberations in Parliament and with other political groups. GBC Ghana Online

Meanwhile, legal commentators and civic activists have pointed out that Ghana’s constitution contains “entrenched provisions” — parts that are especially difficult to change — designed to protect the country’s democratic foundations. Any final amendment will still have to navigate strict parliamentary and, in many cases, referendum requirements. Modern Ghana

Looking Ahead

With the CRC’s recommendations now in the hands of the presidency, the next phase involves the establishment of an implementation committee, expected to begin work in early 2026. President Mahama has described the proposals as potentially “revolutionary” and emphasised the importance of bipartisan cooperation in finalising reforms. isd.gov.gh

What happens next — including debates in Parliament, public education, and eventually possible referenda — will shape Ghana’s governance framework for years to come. Whether these proposed changes will strengthen accountability, broaden participation, and reflect the aspirations of the people remains an active topic of national discussion.