I have followed the ongoing discussions on constitutional review in Ghana with keen interest and a deep sense of responsibility to the nation.
It is important for Ghanaians to understand that the 1992 Constitution was born out of a delicate historical compromise. Its framing was influenced by the transition from military rule to civilian democratic governance. I wish to acknowledge the critical role played by Justice D. F. Annan, former Judge of the Superior Courts and Speaker of Parliament, whose initiative and counsel helped persuade Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings to finally accept a return to constitutional rule. That compromise, however necessary at the time, has left us with a Constitution that overprotects the Office of the President.
The Constitution contains numerous clauses that effectively shield the President during and even after his tenure in office. These protections make it nearly impossible to hold a President fully accountable under the law. This situation is no longer tenable in a mature democracy. The President is responsible to the people, and where wrongdoing occurs, the President must be subject to the law like every other citizen. Excessive immunity provisions must therefore be reviewed and removed.
On the matter of presidential tenure, I state without hesitation that there must be no extension of the current term limits. The existing arrangement of two four-year terms is sufficient and must remain unchanged. Four years is adequate time for a serious and prepared government to make its mark. Governance is a continuum, and any responsible political party must be ready to govern from the first day in office. Arguments suggesting a need for additional time only create unnecessary opportunities for inefficiency and corruption.
I also wish to emphasize that unfinished national projects must be continued by successive governments. The practice of abandoning ongoing projects in order to initiate new ones has become a major source of waste and corruption. While continuity may not necessarily be entrenched as a constitutional provision, it must become a binding principle of responsible governance.
Furthermore, the system of ex-gratia payments and excessive post-office benefits for public office holders must be abolished. Public servants are already compensated through their salaries. There is no justification for lifelong benefits, state-funded housing, or undue privileges. These resources should instead be redirected towards improving the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.
I fully support proposals to appoint Ministers strictly from outside Parliament. A clear separation between the Executive and the Legislature is essential for effective oversight and accountability. Parliament must be empowered to independently scrutinize government actions without conflict of interest.
Finally, I believe that leadership of the nation requires maturity and experience. The minimum age requirement for presidential candidates should be reviewed upward to reflect the seriousness and responsibility of the office.
Constitutional reform must not be driven by partisan interests but by the collective good of the nation. Ghana has reached a stage in its democratic journey where accountability, discipline, and national interest must take precedence over political convenience.
I urge all stakeholders to approach this constitutional review process with honesty, courage, and a genuine commitment to the future of Ghana.
Signed
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe
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