The Executive Director of the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has commended President John Mahama for appointing him as the Chair of the Constitutional Review Committee Chairman.
Prof Henry Kwasi Prempeh pledged his commitment to advancing Ghana’s constitutional reform agenda.
It is not the norm in Ghana to find non-party members or supporters being appointed by presidents to serve in their governments, with critics often lamenting the negative impact of this winner-takes-all system on nation-building.
In a Facebook post following the announcement, Prof Prempeh saluted President Mahama for what he described as a “bold and statesmanlike step” in appointing him, a non-NDC member and vocal critic of the President’s previous administration, to chair the committee.
“That, as well as the overall membership of the committee, signals to me a good faith commitment on the President’s part to move forward with the constitutional reform agenda as part of his pledge to reset governance,” he wrote.
Prof. Prempeh revealed that the last time he directly interacted with President Mahama was in 2019 in Harare, Zimbabwe, where the former president led a Commonwealth delegation to monitor elections.
Expressing his appreciation for the trust placed in him, Prof. Prempeh stated: “I am humbled. I thank the President for the trust reposed in me by this national assignment and can assure him that I, with my committee, will, as always, put country first, above all else, and assist him as best we can, within the limits of our mandate, to advance the constitutional reform project.”
The committee, composed of distinguished experts and professionals, will review Ghana’s 1992 Constitution and recommend amendments to enhance democratic governance.
The committee’s membership includes:
- Prof. H Kwasi Prempeh – Chairman
- Justice Sophia Adinyirah – Member
- Prof. Kwame Karikari – Member
- Mrs. Charlotte Osei – Member
- Dr. Godwin Djokoto – Member
- Ibrahim Tanko Amidu – Member
- Dr. Esi Ansah – Member
- Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya – Secretary
The committee has been tasked with identifying gaps and challenges in the implementation of previous constitutional review work, including efforts by the 2010 Constitution Review Commission and the 2023 Constitution Review Consultative Committee.
It will engage stakeholders to gather views on proposed amendments to the constitution and provide actionable recommendations for addressing existing governance issues.
President Mahama stressed the importance of the committee’s composition, highlighting its members’ expertise, dedication to national service, and commitment to good governance.
The committee is expected to deliver its recommendations for constitutional amendments within five months for consideration by the government.
