”30 years is a long time in the history of a nation to revise/review its Constitution to reflect and address the necessary current contextual framework of a country”.
Executive Director of the STAR Ghana Foundation, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu made the point in an interview with GBC News in Accra.
He posited that ”initially, Ghana’s 1992 Constitution helped to stabilize the country as it transitioned from a Quasi- Military regime, under Strong Man, Jerry John Rawlings, PNDC to NDC then to Civilian rule”.
However, Mr. Tanko Amidu is of the view there is the need to take into cognisance, ”a Constitution that is fit for purpose”.
He gave three examples pointing to the need for a review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
”Powers of the Executive, look at the number of appointees being made by the Executive, this needs to change”, he said.
The Constitution allows the President to make appointments to Boards and pick the various Chairpersons.
Mr. Tanko Amidu contends that there should be a clear separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature, to allow for an effective and efficient democratic environment.
Furthermore, the Article in the Constitution that deals with Local Government and decentralization, must be dealt with. Mr. Tanko Amidu said the element of Partisanship vs Non-Partisanship must be re-looked at taking into account the element of accountability to the people.
”I however don’t agree with a complete change”, he said but the 1992 Constitution should be reviewed to address the current contextual concerns and, it should be ”fit for purpose”, according to Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu.
