By: Austin Agyenim Boateng
Stakeholders at the Sunyani Zonal Constitution Review Forum have called for sweeping reforms to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution—chief among them, the separation of ministerial appointments from parliamentary representation.
The call, made during the ninth zonal engagement of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) at the Eusbett Conference Centre, reflects growing public sentiment that constitutional reform is essential to improving governance and accountability.
A major focus of the discussions was Article 78(1), which requires the President to appoint the majority of Ministers from among Members of Parliament (MPs). Participants argued that this provision weakens the independence of Parliament, undermines the separation of powers, and burdens MPs with conflicting responsibilities.
“No one can fully serve as both a legislator and a minister. We must choose one to ensure efficiency, accountability, and proper checks and balances,” one participant insisted.
Stakeholders proposed that future constitutional arrangements should explicitly prohibit MPs from simultaneously serving as Ministers of State.
Diverse Participation
The Sunyani forum brought together a wide array of participants, including Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, business leaders, security services, and other state and non-state actors. Their collective voice underscored the urgency of reshaping Ghana’s democratic architecture to meet modern challenges.
Emoluments and Equity
Another contentious issue was Article 71, which grants the President the power to determine the emoluments of top government officials—including MPs, judges, and the executive—through a committee appointed in consultation with the Council of State. Attendees strongly criticised the arrangement as lacking transparency and enabling unchecked privilege.
“How can we expect fairness when those benefitting from the process are the same ones appointing the committee?” a civil society leader questioned.
Participants advocated for an independent emoluments commission, one that reflects national interests rather than political convenience.
Other Key Issues Raised
The forum also provided space for thoughtful deliberation on broader governance challenges. Concerns included:
Stronger constitutional protections for persons with disabilities.
Equitable sharing of natural resource revenues with affected communities.
The need to curb excessive national debt and the habitual abandonment of state projects.
Strengthening institutional checks and balances within the executive-legislative relationship.
Participants urged that the Constitution Review process go beyond minor amendments and reflect the true aspirations of the Ghanaian people, particularly marginalised communities.
CRC Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusion
Chairman of the CRC, Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, assured the public of the Committee’s resolve to gather broad-based input. He acknowledged the high level of engagement so far and noted that traditional authorities remain the final major stakeholder group yet to be formally consulted.
“This Constitution must belong to the people of Ghana. We are not here to write it for them—we are here to listen,” Prof. Prempeh said.
The CRC will conclude this phase of its consultations with a meeting with the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Thursday, July 31, 2025, to incorporate the views of Ghana’s traditional leadership.
The Path Ahead
The Constitution Review Committee is expected to synthesise the feedback from these regional consultations into recommendations for comprehensive reform of Ghana’s foundational legal framework. With voices from Sunyani echoing nationwide concerns, it is increasingly clear that citizens are ready for a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance system anchored in a truly people-centred Constitution.
