CSOs seek clear roadmap for 1992 Constitution review
The Citizens’ Platform on Constitutional Reform has called on President John Dramani Mahama and the government to publish a clear roadmap with timelines for the review and implementation of reforms to the 1992 Constitution.
The call was made at a meeting of the platform’s steering committee on June 8, amid concerns that delays in the process could undermine efforts to complete key constitutional amendments before political activities associated with future elections dominate the national agenda.
The platform also announced plans to seek meetings with the President, the Speaker of Parliament, leaders of the Majority and Minority caucuses, the Chairman of the Council of State and political party leaders to discuss the next phase of the reform process.
According to the coalition, discussions would focus on implementation mechanisms, legislative and referendum timelines, public consultations, civic education and sustained citizen participation.
The platform expressed concern that although the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) submitted its report to the President on December 22, 2025 the full report had not yet been published.
It noted that while the government had indicated that Cabinet would consider a draft position paper prepared by the Attorney-General and the President’s legal team, and media reports suggested that amendment bills on some proposals were being prepared, a comprehensive implementation roadmap remained absent. The coalition said such a road- map should clearly spell out timelines, sequencing of activities and institutional responsibilities.
Procedural requirements
The platform explained that constitutional amendments are subject to rigorous procedures. It pointed out that both entrenched and non-entrenched amendment bills must be gazetted for at least six months before being introduced in Parliament.
While entrenched provisions require Council of State review and approval through a referendum, non-entrenched provisions require Council of State review and parliamentary approval by a supermajority.
Given these requirements, it said preparatory work must begin immediately to avoid further delays.
Calls
The coalition urged the Government to publish the full CRC report, announce the composition and mandate of the implementation body, release a legislative and referendum calendar and outline a framework for public engagement and civic education.
It also called on political parties to adopt a cross-party compact that would promote constructive engagement and place national interest above partisan considerations during the reform process.
Background
The CRC, chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, was established to review the 1992 Constitution and received submissions from citizens across the country through extensive nationwide consultations.
The committee submitted its final report to the President on December 22, 2025.
A summary of its recommendations was later published and received broad public support.
The Citizens’ Platform described the review process as essential to strengthening democratic governance, enhancing accountability, reducing excessive partisanship, improving anti-corruption measures and deepening citizen participation in governance.
The Citizens’ Platform on Constitutional Reform is a coalition of more than 90 civil society organisations, trade unions and professional bodies convened by CDD-Ghana, STAR-Ghana Foundation and Democracy Hub.
