IDEG Proposes Independent Commission for Ghana's Constitutional Reforms

The Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG) has proposed the creation of a Multiparty Democracy and Constitutional Reform Commission (MDCRC) to oversee and implement constitutional reforms in Ghana. This independent body would monitor and regulate political parties, ensuring adherence to established regulations.

Mr. Kwasi Jonah, Senior Research Fellow at IDEG, highlighted that the MDCRC aims to address the persistent failure to implement constitutional review recommendations. Speaking at a policy dialogue in Accra, he noted that despite multiple reform attempts since 2010, none have been realized. He attributed this to a lack of consensus between major political parties, leading to stalled reforms and wasted resources.

"From experience, constitutions are reviewed every nineteen or twenty years, so if you have a body like this in existence, they would collect the ideas for reforming the constitution and make sure they are implemented... It does not matter which party will be in power, because it is a technical commission; the reform effort can be carried through," Mr. Jonah stated.

Professor Kofi Quashigah, former Dean of the University of Ghana Law School, supported the establishment of a continuous constitutional review process embedded within the constitution. He suggested that such a body could gather reform proposals over time and present them for approval through referendums during national elections, ensuring comprehensive rather than piecemeal reforms.

Ms. Becky Enyonam Ahadzi, Coordinator of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition, emphasized the systemic exclusion of women in governance. She pointed out that reforms have largely targeted appointed positions, neglecting elected roles where women continue to face discrimination when contesting for power.