By Nii Okine Daniel , Accra.
Ghana stands once again at the threshold of constitutional renewal. A comprehensive set of reform proposals has been submitted for consideration, touching nearly every corner of our governance architecture , from presidential powers to parliamentary structure, from decentralisation to electoral management. These recommendations invite the nation to reflect deeply on the kind of democracy we want to build for the next generation.
Below is a refined overview of the key proposals shaping the national conversation:
- Presidential Tenure
The two‑term limit remains, but each term would extend to five years. Some voices argue for clarifying the term as consecutive, allowing a former president to return after a break.
- Eligibility for the Presidency
The minimum age for presidential candidates would drop from 40 to 30. Others suggest 35 as a more balanced threshold.
- Presidential Taxation
The President would be subject to the same tax obligations , direct and indirect ,as every Ghanaian.
- Public Emoluments
Article 71 would be replaced with an Independent Public Emoluments Commission empowered to determine salaries and benefits across public service.
- Post‑Presidency Accountability
Civil actions could be brought at any time, while criminal actions would be allowed within four years after leaving office. Some argue that prosecution should depend on when wrongdoing is discovered, not on a fixed timeline.
- Separation of Powers
Ministers would no longer be drawn from Parliament. MPs would be barred from serving as ministers or deputy ministers ,a major structural shift many have long advocated.
- Size of Government
A constitutional ceiling would limit government to 57 ministers, including deputies and regional ministers.
- Decentralisation
Political and fiscal decentralisation would deepen, with MMDCEs elected directly by the people.
- Ministerial Censure
A successful vote of censure would become binding. A censured minister must be dismissed and cannot return within the same presidential term.
- Public Appointments
Public offices would be classified as executive, independent, or hybrid ,and where independence is required, presidential discretion would be limited by binding advice.
- Transition Restraints
Presidential powers would be restricted during the post‑election transition period to prevent last‑minute overreach.
- Election Timing
Presidential elections would move to November, allowing a smoother and longer transition.
- Parliamentary Size
Parliament would be capped at 276 seats, with constituency boundaries reviewed to prevent distortions in representation.
- Electoral Inclusivity
Ghana would explore proportional representation to enhance the participation of women, youth, and smaller political parties.
- Parliamentary Independence
Caucuses would elect and remove their own leaders, strengthening internal democracy within Parliament.
- Dual Citizenship
Ghanaians who hold dual citizenship by birth would be eligible to contest parliamentary elections.
- Public Officers and Elections
Public officers seeking political office would be required to resign and observe a cooling‑off period before contesting.
- Parliamentary Tenure
Parliament’s term would extend to five years, aligning with the presidency.
- Transparency in Amendments
Votes on constitutional amendment bills would be open and recorded.
- Certificate of Urgency
Strict safeguards would curb the misuse of the certificate of urgency in law‑making.
- Public Participation
The Constitution would guarantee meaningful public involvement in the legislative process.
- Conflict of Interest
Conflict‑of‑interest rules would be strengthened, and MPs’ end‑of‑service gratuities replaced with a pension scheme.
23–25. Electoral Commission Reform
The Electoral Commission would be restructured to a three‑member leadership: a Commissioner and two Deputies.
Appointments would follow a merit‑based, independent nomination process subject to parliamentary approval.
Leaders would serve a single, non‑renewable 10‑year term with mandatory cooling‑off periods afterward.
- Civic Institutions
The NCCE and NMC would receive stronger constitutional protection, funding, and mandates to carry out their democratic responsibilities.
Read The Full Report Below:
Point 18: Members of parliament shall serve a maximum of two term.
Point 2: I support the minimum age of 35 years .
Point 16 : A proof of application to denounce dual citizenship should be 6 months before elections.
Point 22: An MP who wins a seat to run for a 2nd term does not qualify for end term gratuity. It should be for only those exiting.
Point 18: Members of parliament shall serve a maximum of two term.
Point 2: I support the minimum age of 35 years .
Point 16 : A proof of application to denounce dual citizenship should be 6 months before elections.
Point 22: An MP who wins a seat to run for a 2nd term does not qualify for end of term gratuity. It should be for only those exiting.