Constitutional reforms would be fitting 70th Independence anniversary gift – CDD-Ghana

The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) says advancing constitutional reforms ahead of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary in 2027 would be a fitting way to mark the milestone.

Its Director of Policy Engagement and Partnerships, Dr Kojo Pumpuni Asante, believes the anniversary presents an opportunity for the country to strengthen its constitutional framework and address longstanding weaknesses in its governance system.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Law, Dr Asante said Ghana had a rare opportunity to improve the 1992 Constitution, which has guided the country for more than three decades.

“And given that next year, 70 years, will be 70 years of independence, I think it will be a befitting birthday present if we're able to get it past this time now,” he said on Sunday, November 1.

He argued that citizens from different backgrounds were increasingly demanding changes to the country's political and governance arrangements because the current system was not delivering the development outcomes they expected.

Dr Asante said the growing interest in constitutional reform was not limited to civil society organisations, adding that young people were also expressing concerns about the country's governance system.

He disclosed that CDD-Ghana had established youth platforms that were engaging secondary school students across the country to encourage their participation in discussions about constitutional reform.

According to him, the broad interest in reform explains why more than 100 civil society leaders and organisations have come together under the Citizens Platform for Constitutional Reform.

“I think what is clear, if you go around the country, is that people want change. Our politics is not delivering the development promise that we want,” he said.

He added that the country should use the current constitutional review process to make substantive changes rather than overlook fundamental weaknesses.

“We have, at least, it has served us well for over three decades. I think we have a rare opportunity to strengthen it so that it can continue to serve us well,” he said.

Dr Asante stressed that the process must be approached carefully to ensure that the concerns of citizens are adequately addressed.

“Citizens of all walks of life want to see change. And that's why I really think that if we want to do this, we should do it well. And not just step over the cracks,” he added.

The Citizens Platform for Constitutional Reform brings together civil society organisations and other stakeholders seeking to broaden public participation in discussions about changes to Ghana's constitutional and governance arrangements.