A comprehensive set of proposals for a new constitution has been unveiled, outlining radical changes intended to reshape Ghana’s governance structure, strengthen accountability, and deepen democracy. The wide-ranging recommendations target the presidency, parliament, the electoral system, and anti-corruption measures.
Among the most significant proposed changes is the extension of both presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years, aimed at aligning the electoral cycles and ensuring longer periods for policy implementation. Notably, the two-term limit for presidents would be retained.
The proposals seek to drastically alter the relationship between the executive and legislature. A key reform is the complete decoupling of ministers from Parliament, meaning sitting MPs would be barred from being appointed as ministers or deputy ministers. This is coupled with a strict cap of 57 total ministers, including deputies and regional ministers. Furthermore, a successful vote of censure against a minister would become binding, requiring their immediate dismissal without the possibility of reappointment in the same presidential term.
To enhance executive accountability, the plans include subjecting the president to taxation, limiting post-office immunity for criminal actions to four years, and replacing the controversial Article 71 emoluments with an Independent Public Emoluments Commission. Presidential powers during transition periods would also be restricted.
For Parliament, reforms aim to boost independence and integrity. Proposals include allowing caucuses to elect their own leaders, imposing a cooling-off period for public officers before they contest elections, and replacing MPs’ end-of-service gratuities with a pension scheme. The size of the legislature would be capped at 276 MPs, with a call to study adopting a Proportional Representation system to improve the inclusion of women, youth, and smaller parties.
A major push for decentralisation is evident, with a clear proposal for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to deepen political and fiscal devolution.
The electoral landscape would see a significant overhaul. The Electoral Commission (EC) would be restructured to consist of only a Commissioner and two Deputies, appointed through a merit-based, independent process subject to parliamentary approval. They would serve a single, non-renewable ten-year term with a cooling-off period post-service. The document also calls for curbing the abuse of certificates of urgency in law-making.
Other governance reforms include constitutionally guaranteeing public participation in law-making, strengthening conflict-of-interest rules, and making the National Development Plan binding on budgeting and legislation. The mandates and funding of accountability institutions like the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the National Media Commission (NMC) are also slated for strengthening.
These proposals, now in the public domain, are expected to ignite intense national debate and could form the basis for the next steps toward constitutional review in Ghana.
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