CRC document beneath govt scrutiny, white paper no longer deliberate – Haruna Iddrisu – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefJanuary 8, 20263 Mins read38
CRC document beneath govt scrutiny, white paper no longer deliberate – Haruna Iddrisu – Life Pulse Daily
Introduction
The constitutional review process in Ghana has taken a new direction, with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu clarifying that the government will not issue a white paper on the report submitted by the Constitutional Review Committee. In a recent statement, Iddrisu addressed widespread misconceptions about the process and outlined the next steps in the constitutional reform agenda.
Key Points
- Ghana’s constitutional review will not result in a white paper
- The current review differs from previous Article 278 processes
- The Prempeh Committee’s report is under legal review
- Public consultations will follow the legal review phase
- 2026 is critical for implementing constitutional reforms
- A new implementation committee will guide the reform process
Background
The Constitutional Review Context
Ghana’s constitutional review process has been a topic of national discussion since President John Dramani Mahama initiated the exercise. The current review, led by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh and his eight-member committee, represents a significant departure from previous constitutional reform attempts.
Previous Constitutional Reviews
The minister specifically referenced the Article 278 review process initiated during the administration of former President J.E.A. Mills. This earlier attempt at constitutional reform followed the constitutional provisions outlined in Article 278, which mandates a specific procedure including the publication of a white paper.
However, the current constitutional review process operates under different parameters and does not fall under the Article 278 framework, which explains why a white paper will not be issued.
Analysis
Understanding the Current Process
The constitutional review process currently underway is distinct from previous attempts in several key ways:
- Leadership and Structure: Led by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, a respected constitutional scholar
- Committee Composition: Includes former Supreme Court Justice Sophia Adinyira, Professor Kwame Karikari, former Electoral Commission Chair Charlotte Osei, Dr. Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr. Esi Ansah, and Dr. Rainer Akumperigeya
- Documentation: Will not result in a white paper publication
<liProcess Framework: Does not operate under Article 278 provisions
Legal Review Phase
The report submitted by the Prempeh Committee in December is currently undergoing a comprehensive legal review by a team of experienced lawyers. This phase is crucial for ensuring that the proposed constitutional reforms are:
- Legally sound and constitutionally compliant
- Technically accurate in their legal language
- Compatible with existing constitutional provisions
- Able to withstand judicial scrutiny
Public Consultation Strategy
Following the legal review, the government plans to engage in extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including:
- Cabinet members
- Political parties
- The general public
- Civil society organizations
- Traditional and religious leaders
This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the constitutional reforms reflect the will and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
Practical Advice
For Citizens and Stakeholders
As the constitutional review process continues, citizens and stakeholders should:
- Stay informed about the process through official channels
- Prepare to participate in public consultations when they are announced
- Engage constructively in discussions about constitutional reform
- Avoid spreading misinformation about the process
- Focus on substantive issues rather than procedural differences
For Media Organizations
The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about constitutional reforms. Journalists and media houses should:
- Verify information before publication
- Provide accurate context about the constitutional review process
- Avoid sensationalizing the reform process
- Facilitate informed public discourse
- Focus on the substance of proposed reforms
FAQ
Why won’t there be a white paper?
The constitutional review process was not established under Article 278 of the Constitution, which specifically requires the publication of a white paper. The current process operates under different constitutional provisions and therefore does not mandate a white paper.
What happens to the committee’s report?
The report is currently undergoing legal review to ensure its accuracy and constitutional soundness. After this review, it will be subject to consultations with various stakeholders before any reforms are implemented.
When will public consultations begin?
The timeline for public consultations has not been specified, but they will occur after the legal review phase is complete.
What is the role of the implementation committee?
The constitutional review implementation committee, which President Mahama plans to establish, will guide reforms through both entrenched and non-entrenched provisions according to legal requirements.
How is this different from previous constitutional reviews?
This review differs from previous attempts in its legal framework, leadership, and process structure. It does not operate under Article 278 and therefore does not require a white paper publication.
What reforms are being considered?
The specific reforms being considered are outlined in the Prempeh Committee’s report, which is currently under legal review. The details will become clearer as the process progresses through consultation phases.
Conclusion
The constitutional review process in Ghana represents a significant opportunity for institutional reform and national advancement. While the process differs from previous attempts and will not result in a white paper, it maintains its importance in shaping the country’s constitutional framework.
The government’s approach of conducting a thorough legal review followed by extensive public consultations demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that any constitutional reforms are both legally sound and widely supported. As Ghana approaches 2026, a critical year for governance, the successful implementation of constitutional reforms will play a vital role in the country’s continued democratic development and economic progress.
Citizens, stakeholders, and the media all have important roles to play in ensuring that this process is conducted transparently, inclusively, and with the best interests of the nation in mind.
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