The Citizens Platform on Constitutional Reform (CPCR), a coalition of about 80 civil society, professional, and academic organisations, has called on the President to urgently establish a Constitutional Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) to lead the next phase of Ghana’s constitutional reform process.
The group warned that the country cannot afford another missed opportunity, noting that previous attempts to review the 1992 Constitution in 2011–2012 and 2019 failed to make progress. It said successfully completing the current 2025 review process would mark a significant milestone and a lasting legacy for the sitting President.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on March 16, CPCR Chairperson Professor Akosua Darkwah said the proposed committee should reflect broad representation, including civil society, academia, professional bodies, and political actors, to ensure transparency and inclusiveness.
She stressed that the implementation committee must focus on execution rather than reopening settled debates. “It should concentrate on translating the Constitution Review Committee’s recommendations into action, coordinating the process, and building consensus among stakeholders,” she said.
The coalition also called on the government to publish a clear and transparent roadmap for implementing the reforms, outlining consultation stages, legislative procedures, and any referendums required to amend constitutional provisions.
It further urged authorities to ensure that any official response to the Constitution Review Committee’s report clearly reflects government policy without altering or misrepresenting the committee’s recommendations.
Call for transparency and public participation
The CPCR appealed to the government to immediately release the full report of the Constitution Review Committee to promote transparency and allow citizens to engage meaningfully in the process. According to the group, public access to the report is essential for informed national dialogue.
The coalition cautioned against delaying the publication of the report in favour of a government “position paper,” insisting that citizens must be able to independently assess the committee’s findings.
Avoiding past setbacks
Reflecting on previous reform efforts, the CPCR warned against repeating mistakes that stalled earlier processes. It pointed to the White Paper issued after the Fiadjoe Commission’s work in 2011, which it said contributed to delays and dampened public interest.
The group therefore called for the swift establishment of the CRIC, along with a clear implementation timeline, especially as the country approaches the 2026–2027 election cycle, which could limit the window for meaningful reforms.
Need for strong leadership
The coalition emphasised that strong political leadership and sustained public engagement will be crucial to restoring confidence in democratic governance and ensuring the success of the reform agenda.
It noted that it has been closely monitoring developments since the Constitution Review Committee submitted its final report to the Office of the President, adding that transparency and decisive action will be key to maintaining public trust and momentum.