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.