By Christopher Arko, GNA
Accra, April 10, GNA – Dr Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director, Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has called on the youth to actively engage in Ghana’s Constitution reform process, saying the country’s democratic future depends on their participation.
He noted that discussions around constitution reform remained relevant and must be sustained, emphasising that significant work remained to be done.
He, therefore, encouraged citizens, particularly the youth, to contribute meaningfully to the process.
Dr Akwetey made these remarks on Thursday at a policy dialogue held in Accra, on the theme: “Effective Constitutional Amendment: The Necessity of Legal and Institutional Safeguards.”
The programme, organised by IDEG in collaboration with Oxfam, brought together legal scholars, policy analysts, political party representatives, civil society organisations, and youth leaders to brainstorm on the theme.
He said after 34 years of constitutional rule under the 1992 Constitution, the ongoing review process was meant for the next generation.
“The youth, who constitute a large part of the population, hold both the power and responsibility to help shape Ghana’s democratic future,” he said.
Citing the Kenyan experience, Dr Akwetey noted that deliberate constitution reforms had driven significant progress, urging Ghana’s youth to actively participate in shaping reform outcomes.
He lamented that Ghana had taken too long to implement the necessary constitution reforms but stressed that while reforms were essential, they must be approached critically to ensure they contributed to nation-building and reflect the aspirations of the people.
Mr Kwesi Jonah, a Political Scientist and Fellow at IDEG, emphasised the urgent need for the country to establish an independent, standing body to oversee constitution reforms.
To address the persistent delays in reform efforts, he said the government should establish a Multiparty Democracy and Constitution Reform Commission (MDCRC) to manage the process in a consistent and non-partisan manner.
He explained that such a permanent body would help tackle recurring challenges in the amendment process and insulate it from political interference.
Prof. Kofi Quashigah, a Constitutional Law expert, noted that tight timeframes and procedural legal requirements made it difficult to complete constitutional amendments within the tenure of a single government.
He said the constitution review was a nation-building exercise and that establishing a permanent body would ensure continuity, protect the process from undue political influence, and prevent it from being disrupted by changes in government.
That would help ensure that the Constitution remained responsive, resilient, and reflective of the evolving needs of the Ghanaian people, he added.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe