Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu said on JoyNews’ The Pulse that the government failed to involve the New Patriotic Party (NPP) adequately in the ongoing constitutional review process. He blamed the party’s decision to withdraw from amendment discussions on the administration’s lack of consultation, noting that the NPP’s large support base makes its participation crucial for any successful reform.
Kpebu agreed with the NPP’s proposal for a consultative assembly but was still weighing whether a new constituent assembly was necessary. He stressed that constitutional amendments requiring a referendum must secure at least 40 % of eligible voters, with 75 % of those votes in favour, and that opposition parties should be “front and centre” in the process.
He accused the government of disrespecting the NPP, saying, “I don’t think they were accorded enough respect. Yes, speaking bluntly. Now, government didn’t show them enough respect at all.” Kpebu also criticised President Nana Akufo‑Addo’s public remarks about extending the presidential term to five years before sufficient consultation had taken place, calling such statements an “own goal.”
According to Kpebu, the lack of engagement has contributed to the NPP’s current position in the constitutional debate. He warned that without broad public support, especially from significant opposition groups, any amendment is unlikely to succeed.
