The Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, has stressed the urgent need for widespread public education to ensure the successful adoption of proposed constitutional reforms, describing the process as vital for strengthening Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the Citizen Platform on Constitutional Reform (CPCR) in Accra last Monday, Dr Akwetey said citizen awareness and engagement are key to building the consensus needed in Parliament, even for reforms crucial to national development. The CPCR is a coalition of around 80 civil society, professional, and academic organisations advocating for transparency and urgency in the reform process.
“Public education at the local, district, regional, and national level will be crucial,” he said, noting that Parliament is unlikely to act decisively without informed pressure from citizens. “You can’t assume that Parliament will automatically be united on this, but this is in the national interest.”
Active citizen participation
Dr Akwetey urged Ghanaians to take an active interest in the reform proposals, understand their rationale, and engage their Members of Parliament to act in the broader national interest.
“We all have to become activists—discussing, explaining, and helping people understand. Only then can we engage our MPs to act responsibly,” he said.
He also highlighted the media’s role in simplifying the reform proposals, warning that current explanations are often too technical for ordinary citizens. “I want a simple explanation, and I’m not seeing it in the newspapers. The media must bridge the gap between MPs and their constituents,” he added.
Learning from the past
Reflecting on previous unsuccessful attempts to amend the 1992 Constitution, Dr Akwetey urged stakeholders not to let the current effort fail. “It would be historic if we succeed this time. Thirty-four years is long enough—we need to strengthen the foundations and move to the next level,” he said.
He also called on journalists to lead efforts in fostering informed debate, ensuring that parliamentary decisions reflect the people’s understanding rather than partisan interests. “Citizens should vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ based on engagement and understanding, not political reasons,” he stressed.
Dr Akwetey expressed optimism that with robust public education and media support, this reform process could mark a milestone in Ghana’s democratic development. “Let this be the history we chase—so we don’t repeat the missed opportunities of 2011, 2012, or 2019. The outcome will shape governance for generations.”
Background
The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) submitted its report on the ongoing review to President John Mahama in December. The government has yet to issue a position paper or set up an implementation committee to guide the next phase.