General News
Constitutional Review Committee Submits Report to President Mahama, Proposes Major Governance Reforms
The eight-member Constitutional Review Committee established by President John Dramani Mahama in January 2025 has submitted its final report, outlining proposed amendments aimed at strengthening Ghana’s governance framework.
The report was presented to the President at a ceremony held on Monday, December 22, 2025. The committee, chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, was tasked with identifying gaps in previous constitutional reform efforts and recommending changes to improve the country’s democratic system. Upon receiving the document, President Mahama directed that the report be published and made available to the public.
One of the key proposals is the extension of the presidential term of office from four years to five years. According to the committee, the change is intended to enhance policy continuity and improve governance outcomes.
The report also places strong emphasis on local governance reforms. Among the recommendations are the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and the inclusion of traditional chiefs in local government structures.
“We think we are ready as a country to make a historic move in the way in which our local government is structured,” Professor Prempeh said during the presentation.
Under the proposed framework, chiefs would initially participate in the legislative and deliberative work of district assemblies. Over time, they would take on more direct governing responsibilities at the sub-district level in towns and villages.
To support the phased introduction of elected MMDCEs, the committee recommends the establishment of a Devolution Commission. This body would oversee the gradual rollout of elections, beginning with districts that meet clearly defined benchmarks, rather than conducting elections in all 261 districts simultaneously.
On the presidency, the report reiterates the proposal to extend the presidential term to five years and introduces limits on campaign activities. It recommends a clearly defined campaign period, outside of which political parties and candidates would be prohibited from activities such as rallies, posters and billboards.
“We hope if this is accepted that we will have a political or electoral environment where we do not run 24-hour, 24-seven, four-year campaigns,” Professor Prempeh explained.
The committee also calls for an end to what it describes as the hybrid relationship between the executive and the legislature, advocating a clearer separation of powers between the two arms of government.
In the public sector, the report proposes measures to reduce partisan influence, including placing state-owned enterprises under constitutional oversight through a body similar to the State Interests and Governance Authority.
“We believe that we need to protect the state sector from over-politicisation,” Professor Prempeh said, noting that the economic significance and systemic risks associated with these enterprises justify stronger constitutional regulation.
Further recommendations include expanding the authority of the Council of State to align more closely with its original 1969 conception as a co-guarantor in presidential appointments.
The report also proposes the creation of a new anti-corruption commission to consolidate corruption prosecution functions currently handled by multiple agencies. Under this arrangement, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice would focus primarily on human rights and ombudsman responsibilities.
Additionally, the role of the Attorney General would be adjusted, with some responsibilities reassigned to ease the workload of the office.
Receiving the report, President Mahama described it as “a beautiful Christmas gift” and praised the committee for its integrity and credibility. He announced plans to establish an implementation committee early in 2026, adding that some members of the review committee would be invited to serve to ensure continuity.
“As soon as we resume early next year, we are moving from the constitutional review process into the implementation process,” the President said.
While acknowledging that some of the proposals are far-reaching, President Mahama said they are necessary to strengthen Ghana’s democratic order, particularly at a time when constitutional governance in parts of the sub-region is under pressure.
He confirmed that the report would be published soon, stressing that he did not want it “kept like a nuclear secret,” although no specific publication date was announced.
Professor Prempeh disclosed that the committee visited 10 regions and engaged with academics, trade unions and citizens nationwide. He said the consultations revealed strong public support for constitutional change.
The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has convened an emergency meeting following the High Court’s judgment in the case involving the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, over the Samreboi mining matter.
The meeting is being attended by the party’s national leadership, its Flagbearer, and the NPP’s legal team. According to the party, the purpose of the meeting is to conduct a thorough review of the court’s decision and determine the appropriate legal and political steps to take.
In a statement issued on behalf of the party, General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said the NPP is carefully assessing the judgment before announcing its official position.
“The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), together with our Flagbearer and the Party’s legal team, is currently in a meeting to thoroughly review the judgment delivered by the Court… and to determine the appropriate next course of action,” the statement said.
The party indicated that an official communication outlining the outcome of the meeting and any decisions taken will be released in due course.
Justin Kodua Frimpong also appealed to party supporters and members across the country to remain calm and united while the leadership completes its deliberations.
He urged members of the NPP to rally behind the party’s leadership during what he described as a challenging moment, stressing the need for calm, discipline, unity, and an unwavering commitment to the party’s values and interests.
The emergency meeting comes after the High Court delivered its judgment in Chairman Wontumi’s case relating to alleged illegal mining activities on the Samreboi concession, a ruling that has generated significant political interest nationwide.
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has officially announced his intention to contest for the position of National First Vice Chairman of the party ahead of its upcoming internal elections.
In a statement addressed to party executives, elders, patrons and members of the NPP, Nana B said his decision was inspired by a deep sense of duty and gratitude after serving the party for 26 years in various leadership positions.
According to him, the experience and lessons he has gained over the years have prepared him to help strengthen the party’s structures, reconnect with the grassroots and contribute significantly to the NPP’s mission of returning to power in the 2028 general elections.
Nana B highlighted his extensive political journey within the party, beginning at the polling station level where he served as a Polling Station Agent during the 2000 General Elections in the then Manhyia Constituency. He later became Polling Station Chairman in both the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Oforikrom constituencies. He also served as a member of the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency Campaign Team and as Communications Officer for the Oforikrom Constituency.
At the regional and youth level, he served as TESCON President at both the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He also served as a member of the Ashanti Regional Communications Team, a member of the 2016 Ashanti Regional Campaign Team, Director of Events and Programmes for the National Youth Wing, National Youth Organiser, and Vice Chairman of the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU).
At the national level, Nana B has served in several strategic roles, including Member of the NPP National Communications Team, Member of the 2020 Presidential Election Petition Legal Team, Member of the 2020 and 2024 National Campaign Teams, National Organiser, Vice Chairman of the 2025 National Delegates Conference Planning Committee, Member of the National Steering Committee, National Executive Committee and National Council.
He stated that his ambition is rooted in the belief that unity, renewed determination and effective leadership will reposition the New Patriotic Party for victory in the 2028 elections.
Nana B appealed to party faithful to support his bid with their prayers, guidance and encouragement as he embarks on what he described as an important journey for the future of the NPP.
He signed the statement as “Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), Next National First Vice Chairman, NPP,” and adopted the campaign slogan “Bold, Fearless and Experienced.“
Dr. Charles Dwamena, the National Treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a candidate for the party’s General Secretary position, has filed a lawsuit against Hubtel Limited at the Commercial Division of the High Court in Kumasi, seeking GH¢5 million in damages over what he describes as a breach of contract, negligence, and unlawful interference with his campaign donation platform.
According to the writ of summons and statement of claim filed in July 2026, Dr. Dwamena, a former Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to China and former Director of Finance and Administration at the NPP headquarters, alleges that Hubtel unlawfully activated a separate USSD shortcode bearing his personal name and later deactivated his official campaign donation shortcode without his knowledge or consent.
The suit states that in January 2026, Dr. Dwamena engaged Hubtel to provide a USSD-based payment platform to collect donations for his campaign for the NPP General Secretary race scheduled for September 18–20, 2026. Hubtel allegedly assigned him the shortcode 7132028#, which was configured by his campaign team and integrated into his official campaign website, www.drdwamenaelections.org.
According to the claim, Dr. Dwamena invested significant time, effort, and financial resources into developing the donation platform, including creating multiple donation categories and payment options for supporters.
The lawsuit states that Hubtel later onboarded his software developer and provided technical support through a dedicated WhatsApp group involving Hubtel officials identified as Ms. Benedicta and Mr. Makafui.
Dr. Dwamena argues that Hubtel was contractually obligated to maintain and operate the campaign shortcode, refrain from activating any other shortcode bearing his name without his approval, avoid linking his campaign platform to any other shortcode, and ensure that his campaign payment infrastructure remained operational.
However, the suit alleges that on April 21, 2026, Stephen Forson, identified as the Deputy Director of Information Technology at the NPP headquarters, requested Hubtel through a WhatsApp integration platform to activate another shortcode, 7142028#.
The plaintiff claims he immediately objected in writing, warning that activating the new shortcode would create confusion because 7132028# had already been assigned exclusively to his campaign. Despite the objection, he alleges Hubtel proceeded to activate the new shortcode.
According to the statement of claim, Hubtel also linked the newly activated shortcode to Dr. Dwamena’s existing campaign platform, causing users making payments through 7142028# to see his name as the designated beneficiary.
The court documents include allegations that payment prompts displayed messages such as “Enter Amount to pay to Dr Charles Dwamena” and payment confirmation screens identifying him as the recipient of transactions.
Dr. Dwamena further claims Hubtel subsequently deactivated his original campaign shortcode, 7132028#, without his authorization, effectively shutting down his official donation platform during a critical stage of his campaign.
He argues that Hubtel’s actions breached both contractual obligations and its duty of care as a licensed payment service provider under Ghana’s Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987).
The plaintiff also accuses Hubtel of failing to implement proper authorization procedures before activating a shortcode bearing his name and of giving priority to instructions from third parties over those of its own client.
Dr. Dwamena says the actions severely damaged his reputation after publications circulated on official NPP WhatsApp platforms and social media allegedly portrayed him as someone involved in diverting party membership dues into his personal account.
He further claims the alleged actions resulted in the loss of campaign donations, damaged his political standing ahead of the NPP National Executive elections, and negatively affected his professional reputation.
As part of the suit, Dr. Dwamena is seeking declarations that Hubtel breached its contract by activating the unauthorized shortcode and deactivating his official campaign shortcode.
He is also asking the court to order Hubtel to immediately restore shortcode 7132028# and permanently deactivate shortcode 7142028#.
Additionally, the plaintiff wants the court to compel Hubtel to provide a full account of all transactions processed through the disputed shortcode and pay over any sums found to be due.
Dr. Dwamena is seeking GH¢5 million in general damages for breach of contract and negligence, exemplary damages for what he describes as Hubtel’s reckless and high-handed conduct, special damages for lost campaign donations and other consequential losses, interest on all monetary awards at the prevailing Bank of Ghana rate, and legal costs.
The case is yet to be heard, and Hubtel is expected to respond to the allegations before the court determines the merits of the claims.
NPP Leadership Holds Emergency Meeting Over Wontumi Court Judgment
Nana B Declares Bid for NPP National First Vice Chairman Position
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