Citizens urged to lead in implementing constitutional amendments

Takoradi, March 12, – Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Chief Director of Democracy Hub, has emphasized that citizens must play a central role in ensuring the successful implementation of constitutional reforms in Ghana.

Speaking at a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Steering Committee of the Citizens Platform on Constitutional Reforms—comprising STAR-Ghana Foundation, Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and Democracy Hub with support from UK International Development—he proposed the introduction of a citizen initiative mechanism to facilitate constitutional amendments. The mechanism would enable civil society to mobilize citizens to initiate a constitutional referendum.

The workshop brought together civil society organisations (CSOs) to strengthen their engagement in the ongoing constitutional review process, enhance understanding of the reform agenda, build advocacy and engagement skills, and promote coordinated action among stakeholders.

Mr Barker-Vormawor noted that since its adoption, the 1992 Constitution has faced challenges, leading to calls for amendments by 2008. In 2009, political parties agreed to initiate reforms, culminating in the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) in 2010, which conducted nationwide consultations and identified governance concerns. A subsequent White Paper was issued, but political uncertainties stalled progress.

He added that a new committee later reviewed the recommendations and produced a 506-page report, though the full report has not yet been made public. According to him, these developments underscore the need for CSOs and citizens to form strong alliances to ensure reforms are implemented.

“We must initiate a process that supports citizens by gathering signatures nationwide to push for change,” he stated. The proposed mechanism would require signatures from registered voters across all regions, with at least 10 percent from each region, before submission to Parliament.

Since 2025, the Citizens Platform on Constitutional Reforms has coordinated a coalition of about 70 CSOs, advocating amendments to enhance accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness in governance.

Mr Barker-Vormawor also highlighted the role of political will, noting that the current parliamentary majority could facilitate the amendment process. He called for a government position paper and a civil society paper outlining reform proposals. He explained that non-entrenched provisions could be amended by Parliament, while entrenched clauses require a referendum, which needs at least 40 percent voter turnout and 75 percent approval.

He stressed the importance of effective communication and mobilisation to ensure high citizen participation and to avoid politicisation of the process.

Also speaking at the workshop, Donkris Mevuta, Executive Director of Friends of the Nation, said the 1992 Constitution has anchored Ghana’s democratic governance for over three decades but must evolve to meet contemporary challenges. He noted that in 2025, President John Dramani Mahama established a Constitutional Review Committee chaired by Professor Henry Kwesi Prempeh to strengthen Ghana’s democratic architecture.

Mr Mevuta called for an inclusive, transparent, and citizen-led approach, stressing that active citizen engagement is essential to building public trust and delivering meaningful reforms.

Raymond Danso, Portfolio Manager at STAR-Ghana Foundation, cited governance concerns such as excessive executive powers, weak separation of powers, and limited accountability mechanisms, emphasizing that the citizen platform ensures diverse perspectives are gathered and presented to Parliament. He urged that reform proposals not remain dormant, highlighting the need for safeguards that reflect citizens’ views.

GHBUSS

March 12, 2026