Legal practitioner and social activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has urged the government to ensure its upcoming position paper on constitutional reforms reflects the aspirations of Ghanaians and promotes national unity rather than partisan interests.
His comments come ahead of the government’s expected release of its official position on the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee, which was submitted to President John Dramani Mahama in December 2025.
On Tuesday, July 14, Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced that Cabinet had concluded deliberations on the government’s position paper and that the Attorney General and Minister for Justice would publish the document and brief the public next week.
Reacting to this in a social media post on Wednesday, July 15, Barker-Vormawor described the forthcoming document as a defining moment for Ghana’s democratic development, saying it would set out the government’s vision for constitutional reform.
He stressed that the process should focus on rebuilding national consensus and addressing long-standing governance challenges through meaningful reforms.
“It is my hope that the Government position paper to be presented unites us behind a common vision. As a nation, we need a new break from divisive politicking. And it is my sincere hope that the Government is aligned with the sentiments of our people for clear, substantive and actionable reforms.
“The task ahead is one of true national communion over how we repair what the past has left behind for us. So that we can make tomorrow better. I believe in purposeful reforms,” his post read in part.
The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, was inaugurated by President Mahama to examine Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and recommend reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance, accountability and state institutions.
After months of nationwide stakeholder consultations, public engagements and expert submissions, the committee presented its report to the President at the Jubilee House in December 2025.
Among its key recommendations were extending the presidential term from four years to five years, fully separating Parliament from the Executive by reducing the number of ministers appointed from Parliament and shortening election campaign periods.
It also recommended strengthening local governance, reviewing aspects of the appointment process for key public offices, and enhancing checks and balances across the arms of government.
The government’s position paper is expected to indicate which of the committee’s recommendations Cabinet has accepted, modified or rejected.
It is also expected to outline the roadmap for implementing any approved constitutional reforms, including proposals that may require a national referendum or parliamentary approval.
