The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the government to bring all stakeholders, including the opposition, on board before pursuing any amendments to the 1992 Constitution. At a press conference, TUC Secretary‑General Joshua Ansah said the review process must be broad and inclusive.
Ansah noted that while the Constitutional Review Committee gathered views from across the country, its approach was not as inclusive as the Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1992 Constitution. He warned that a referendum based solely on government‑selected issues could create a legal pathway for future majorities to push amendments that serve only their own philosophies and manifestos, particularly non‑entrenched provisions.
“We must not open up the Constitution for partisan political manoeuvring,” Ansah stressed. He also backed the proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years, but insisted that such an extension must be accompanied by broader reforms to strengthen governance and accountability.
On presidential appointments, the TUC supported amendments to Article 70 to limit the President’s appointment powers, but said changes to Article 70 alone would not suffice and should be considered alongside Article 195.
Meanwhile, Attorney‑General and Minister of Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine inaugurated an 11‑member Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) to advance proposals for reviewing Ghana’s Constitution. The committee, chaired by former Attorney‑General Marietta Brew, will consider proposals such as lowering the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35, capping the number of ministers and MPs, requiring the President to pay taxes on salary and allowances, and introducing the election of all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
As the review moves forward, TUC’s call for a consensus‑driven approach remains a key point of contention. The outcome will shape Ghana’s constitutional future and the balance of power among its political actors.
