The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has made a number of proposals to the Constitutional Review Committee. He made the proposal when the Committee consulted him as part of the ongoing nationwide consultations. The consultations aimed at reforming Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
The Speaker highlighted the importance of developing a Constitution that reflects Ghana’s unique context and national aspirations. He warned against the wholesale adoption of foreign governance models, arguing that such systems often complicate the country’s political processes. He also called for structural reforms in Ghana’s electoral and parliamentary systems, including a shift toward proportional representation.
The Speaker stated that creating opportunities in Parliament for underrepresented groups, such as youth, women, persons with disabilities, and traditional leaders—would help reduce the dominance of partisan politics. He emphasised the need for stronger regulation of political party financing and called for greater empowerment of constitutional bodies like the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), which is crucial for promoting civic awareness and encouraging participatory governance.
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, the Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, expressed gratitude for the Speaker’s insights. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but committed to incorporating those concerns into the committee’s final proposals.
By: Laud Nartey
