A coalition of 80 civil society organizations (CSOs) has urged the government to release the complete Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) report. This call comes from the Citizens' Platform on Constitutional Reforms (CPCR). The CPCR welcomed the government's progress on constitutional reforms. However, it stressed the need for immediate publication of the full report. This will promote transparency and meaningful public engagement in the process.
The CPCR issued a statement on July 20, 2026, describing Cabinet's announcement as an important milestone. Cabinet stated that the Attorney General and Minister for Justice will publish the government's position paper this week. The coalition believes that releasing the full CRC report is essential. It will allow for informed discussion and constructive engagement among Ghanaians. This is especially important as citizens prepare to receive the government's official stance on the CRC proposals.
Ghana's constitutional review process is a significant national undertaking. It aims to strengthen the 1992 Constitution, a key democratic achievement. The CPCR had previously raised concerns about the limited time available for reforms. This is before Ghana enters another political and electoral cycle. The coalition has consistently called for the urgent publication of the CRC report. It also requested a clear implementation roadmap with timelines and milestones. Furthermore, it sought the inauguration of the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee. The publication of a legislative and referendum calendar, in line with Articles 289 to 291 of the 1992 Constitution, was also requested.
The CRC, chaired by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, submitted its final report to President John Dramani Mahama on December 22, 2025. The committee conducted nationwide consultations. These consultations focused on possible amendments to the 1992 Constitution. Reported recommendations include extending the presidential term from four to five years. Other suggestions involve separating the roles of ministers and Members of Parliament. The establishment of an independent Emoluments Commission is also a reported recommendation. Reforming the appointment process for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) is another key area.
President Mahama has consistently stated that the review seeks to strengthen the 1992 Constitution. He has emphasized that it is not intended to replace it. The next phase of the process involves Cabinet approving and publishing the government's position paper. An implementation committee will then be established to oversee the reforms. The Attorney General's Department will harmonize the government's position with the CRC's recommendations. These proposals will then be forwarded to the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has indicated that constitutional amendment bills will be laid before Parliament. This will occur during the current sitting. Both entrenched and non-entrenched provisions are expected to be considered. The CPCR stresses that constitutional reform should remain a national, non-partisan effort. The government's response to the committee's recommendations must be public. It should also be subjected to broad national debate. The credibility and legitimacy of the reform process depend on transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability.
The CPCR encourages all citizens, political parties, and stakeholders to participate actively. They should engage with the proposed changes, implementation timelines, and consensus-building mechanisms. The Platform reaffirms its commitment to supporting an open, inclusive, and citizen-centred constitutional reform process. The Citizens' Platform on Constitutional Reforms is facilitated by CDD-Ghana, STAR-Ghana Foundation, and Democracy Hub. It brings together various civil society organizations, activists, and citizens. Their goal is to promote accountability and public participation in Ghana's constitutional reform.