Big Picture: Why This Review Matters
The CRC argues that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution has delivered peaceful elections and political stability, but not enough developmental outcomes. The reforms aim to move Ghana from “electoral democracy” to “developmental democracy”—where governance improves lives, not just manages elections.
CHAPTER ONE
Towards an Effective Presidency
The Problem The Presidency has become overly powerful, patronage-driven, and expensive, with weak accountability.
What the CRC Proposes
Extend the presidential term from 4 to 5 years (retain 2-term limit).
Tax presidential salaries and benefits—no elite exemption.
Limit post-presidency immunity:
Civil suits allowed anytime
Criminal prosecution allowed within 4 years after leaving office.
Remove MPs from ministerial appointments to strengthen Parliament’s oversight role.
Cap ministers at 57 total.
Make ministerial censure binding—a censured minister must be dismissed.
Classify public offices (executive, independent, hybrid) and tailor appointment rules accordingly.
Restrict presidential powers during election transition periods.
Why It Matters This chapter directly tackles Ghana’s “imperial presidency” problem—without weakening executive leadership.
CHAPTER TWO
Towards a People-Centered Democracy
A. Parliament
The Problem Parliament is often sidelined, partisan, and disconnected from citizens.
Key Reforms
Cap MPs at 276.
Extend parliamentary term to 5 years, aligned with the presidency.
Make constitutional amendment votes open and recorded.
Guarantee public participation in lawmaking.
Require MPs to hold regular constituency town halls.
Expand Private Members’ Bills.
Tighten conflict-of-interest rules for MPs.
Replace lump-sum gratuities with a structured pension system.
B. Political Parties
The Problem Money politics, weak internal democracy, and violent campaigning.
Key Reforms
Create an Independent Registrar and Regulator of Political Parties and Campaigns (IRRPC).
Regulate campaign spending and duration.
Enforce disclosure and auditing of party finances.
Establish a Democracy Fund to support policy development and inclusion.
Enforce internal party democracy in candidate selection.
Why It Matters This chapter addresses the high cost and toxicity of politics, a major driver of corruption.
CHAPTER THREE
Harnessing Resources for Sustainable Development
The Problem Development planning exists but is weak, non-binding, and easily abandoned by new governments.
Key Reforms
Make the National Development Plan constitutionally binding.
Align budgets and legislation with the Plan.
Strengthen the National Development Planning Commission.
Introduce an Independent Fiscal Council.
Set clearer rules on public debt and borrowing.
Reform natural resource governance, including:
Community benefit-sharing
Stronger environmental protections
Recognition of ecocide as a constitutional concern.
Why It Matters This chapter is the backbone of the shift to developmental democracy.
CHAPTER FOUR
Restoring Trust in Accountability Institutions
The Problem Independent institutions exist, but presidential influence undermines their credibility.
Key Reforms
Reform the Council of State—smaller, more transparent, merit-based.
Change how top officials are appointed:
Competitive, merit-based processes
Fixed, non-renewable terms
Cooling-off periods after service
Clarify that “acting on the advice of” means the President must follow the advice.
Establish a constitutional Anti-Corruption and Ethics Commission.
Why It Matters It moves accountability bodies from formal independence to real independence.
CHAPTER FIVE
A Capable and Professional Public Service
The Problem Political interference, fragmented services, weak asset declaration enforcement.
Key Reforms
Protect public servants from partisan pressure.
Clarify appointment and tenure rules for heads of service.
Strengthen asset declaration and disclosure.
Introduce sanctions for unexplained wealth.
Enforce a binding Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
Why It Matters Professionalism—not political loyalty—becomes the basis for public service.
CHAPTER SIX
Leaving No One Behind: Rights, Equality, and Inclusion
The Problem The Constitution reflects 1990s rights thinking and misses modern realities.
Key Reforms
Abolish the death penalty.
Guarantee rights to:
Food
Housing
Health
Education
Strengthen protections for:
Women
Children
Persons with disabilities
Zongo and historically mobile communities
Expand digital privacy rights.
Address gender discrimination in citizenship laws.
Why It Matters This chapter modernises Ghana’s human rights framework for the 21st century.
CHAPTER SEVEN
All Development Is Local
The Problem Local government is overly controlled from the centre.
Key Reforms
Establish an Independent Devolution Commission.
Elect Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCES).
Rationalise district creation.
Strengthen fiscal decentralisation.
Clarify the role of chiefs in local governance (without party politics).
Why It Matters Development is pushed closer to communities—where needs are best understood.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Securing Democratic Peace and Stability
The Problem Security institutions lack strong civilian oversight.
Key Reforms
Consolidate security provisions into one constitutional chapter.
Establish an Independent Security Oversight Authority.
Clarify rules for military deployment in civilian law enforcement.
Reform Police and Prisons Councils.
Why It Matters Protects democracy while safeguarding civil liberties.
CHAPTER NINE
Towards a Living Constitution
The Problem The Constitution is too rigid and difficult to amend.
Key Reforms
Reduce over-entrenchment of provisions.
Allow popular initiative in constitutional amendments.
Remove obsolete or private bodies from the Constitution.
Create pathways to address constitutional obsolescence.
Why It Matters Ensures the Constitution evolves with society, not against it