Introduction

Ghana stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic history. The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), tasked with a comprehensive examination of the 1992 Constitution, has officially concluded its primary mandate. On Monday, December 22, 2025, the Committee submitted its final report, titled “Transforming Ghana: From Electoral Democracy to Developmental Democracy,” to President John Dramani Mahama. While the technical and consultative phases of the Committee’s work are complete, a critical question arises: What comes next?

This article argues that the lifecycle of constitutional reform extends far beyond the submission of a report. To ensure that the proposed reforms translate into tangible democratic dividends, there is a compelling need to extend the Committee’s mandate—specifically focusing on strategic communication. This extension is not about lobbying for specific outcomes but about bridging the gap between complex technical proposals and public understanding. By adopting a pedagogical approach to communication, Ghana can navigate the polarized media landscape, combat misinformation, and foster a developmental democracy rooted in informed citizen ownership.

Key Points

Background

The Mandate of the Constitution Review Committee

The Constitution Review Committee was established with a clear objective: to gather citizen perspectives and expert input regarding the 1992 Constitution of the Fourth Republic. Over an intensive period, the Committee engaged in nationwide consultations, ensuring that the voices of Ghanaians from all walks of life were captured. The culmination of this effort was the submission of the “Transforming Ghana: From Electoral Democracy to Developmental Democracy” report.

In procedural terms, the Committee has fulfilled its obligation. The baton has now passed to the executive arm of government and the broader political machinery. The President holds the discretion to determine which recommendations to adopt, which to amend, and which to defer. However, the formal conclusion of the Committee’s work exposes a critical vulnerability in the reform process: the lack of a structured mechanism to translate these technical findings into public consensus.

The Current Information Landscape

Ghana does not suffer from a total lack of information regarding constitutional reform. Instead, it faces a fragmented information environment. In the absence of a centralized, authoritative source of explanation, partial narratives and politically motivated interpretations tend to dominate the discourse. This environment is further complicated by the rapid spread of information—and misinformation—through digital platforms and polarized media outlets.

The CRC’s report addresses a widely felt concern: that elections alone, however peaceful, have not consistently delivered effective governance, accountability, or inclusion. While this diagnosis resonates with public experience, the “resonance” of an idea is not automatic. It must be actively cultivated through clear, consistent, and accessible communication.

Analysis

The Complexity of Constitutional Reform

Constitutional reform is inherently complex. It involves legal jargon, historical context, and intricate trade-offs that are difficult to distill into soundbites. Without structured, sustained clarification, these reforms are susceptible to simplification or distortion. In a highly polarized environment, complex proposals are often reduced to partisan talking points, stripping them of their nuance and potential benefits.

The risk is not that citizens are unwilling to engage; rather, the risk is that the complexity of the subject matter invites confusion. When the public is confused, the political space is filled by speculation. An extended communication mandate for the CRC would serve as a bulwark against this confusion.

Facilitative Communication vs. Advocacy

It is crucial to distinguish between advocacy and facilitative communication. The author suggests that an extended mandate should not be about campaigning for specific reforms. Instead, it should be about “providing authoritative, non-partisan explanation.”

Advocacy implies taking a side and lobbying for a specific outcome. Facilitative communication, however, aims to create an environment where informed debate can occur. It translates key reform themes into plain language, explains the “trade-offs” involved in specific recommendations, and provides accurate reference materials. This approach supports government decision-making by stabilizing expectations and reducing uncertainty. When the public understands the choices on the table, the democratic process functions more efficiently.

Why the CRC is Uniquely Positioned

Extending the mandate of the CRC is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a matter of necessity. The Committee possesses three distinct advantages that no other entity can easily replicate:

1. Credibility: The Committee’s recommendations are not based on abstract theories but on extensive consultations with thousands of voters and stakeholders across all regions and sectors. This legitimacy is hard-won and cannot be instantly manufactured by a new government spokesperson.
2. Institutional Memory: The Committee members understand the “why” behind every recommendation. They know the competing views that were debated and the specific reasons why certain compromises were made in the final report. This depth of understanding is vital for accurate explanation.
3. Existing Engagement Infrastructure: The Committee has already established channels for public engagement through its consultations. Building on these existing foundations is far more efficient than starting from scratch.

Practical Advice

Structuring the Extended Mandate

To be effective, the extended mandate for strategic communication must be time-bound and clearly defined. It should operate with specific guidelines to ensure neutrality and effectiveness.

1. Translation of Technical Language: The primary task is to convert legal and constitutional terminology into plain, accessible English (and relevant local languages). For example, instead of discussing “devolution of power” in abstract terms, the communication should explain what this means for a specific community’s ability to manage local resources.
2. Myth-Busting and Clarification: The Committee should proactively identify common misconceptions about the proposed reforms and release clear, factual corrections. This prevents misinformation from taking root.
3. Resource Centers for Media: The CRC should act as a resource hub for journalists and civil society organizations. Providing concise briefs, FAQs, and data points ensures that media reporting is accurate and balanced.

Ensuring Neutrality

The success of this initiative hinges on the perception of neutrality. The communication must strictly avoid lobbying. The tone should be: “Here is what was proposed, here is the context, here is the rationale provided during consultations, and here are the potential implications.” By sticking to this script, the CRC maintains its integrity and supports the democratic process without infringing on the political prerogatives of the executive.

FAQ

Conclusion

The submission of the “Transforming Ghana: From Electoral Democracy to Developmental Democracy” report is a significant achievement, but it is not the finish line. Constitutional reform is a cycle that extends from consultation to advice, to decision, and finally to public understanding and ownership.

As it stands, the country risks entering a phase of confusion and polarization if the technical work of the CRC is not followed by a robust period of public education. Extending the Committee’s mandate to focus on strategic communication is not an unnecessary delay; it is the final, essential step to ensure the Committee’s hard work bears fruit.

When voters understand reform, reform delivers. By leveraging the credibility, memory, and reach of the CRC, Ghana can ensure that the conversation around its future is grounded in clarity, truth, and mutual respect. This approach will help the nation move beyond the limitations of electoral democracy toward a truly developmental democracy.