The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) has recommended significant reforms aimed at strengthening the independence, credibility, and professionalism of the Electoral Commission (EC).
As part of its proposals, the Committee is calling for amendments to Article 223 of the 1992 Constitution to introduce fixed tenures for the leadership of the EC.
Under the proposed changes, the Chairperson of the Commission and each Deputy Commissioner would serve a single, non-renewable term of 10 years or remain in office until they attain the age of 65, whichever comes first.
According to the CRC, the move is intended to insulate the Electoral Commission from political influence and enhance public confidence in the country’s electoral management body.
Fixed, non-renewable terms are expected to alleviate perceived pressures on EC officials, allowing them to carry out their duties with greater independence.
The Committee also proposed post-service restrictions for EC leadership, a measure designed to prevent conflicts of interest after officials leave office.
These restrictions, the CRC believes, would further protect the integrity of the Commission and safeguard the electoral process.
Presenting its report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, the Committee proposed amendments to Article 223 of the Constitution to regulate the tenure and post-service conduct of Electoral Commission officials.
According to the report, “The Committee recommends an amendment to Article 223 to provide that the Commissioner and each of the Deputy Commissioners of the Commission shall hold office for a single, non-renewable term of ten (10) years or upon or until he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.”
It further stated that “A person who has held the office of Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner shall, upon retiring or resigning from the position, be ineligible for appointment to any other public office, until after a three-year cooling off period.”
The recommendations form part of broader constitutional reforms being considered to modernise Ghana’s governance framework and strengthen democratic institutions.
The CRC’s report will be reviewed by the appropriate authorities, with any constitutional amendments requiring approval through established legal and parliamentary processes.
Here’s the full report:
