IEA backs lifestyle audits and reverse burden of proof for public officials

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has proposed wide-ranging changes to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution aimed at reducing presidential powers, strengthening Parliament and the Judiciary, deepening local democracy and improving accountability in public institutions. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Institute outlined its position on 18 key areas arising from the report of the Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Prof H. Kwasi Prempeh, and the government’s subsequent position paper.

It also challenged the government’s rejection or modification of recommendations concerning judicial appointments, the Council of State, national development planning and the separation of ministers from Parliament. Below are the 18 key positions advanced by the Institute. Protecting Ghana’s democratic gains The IEA began by acknowledging the contribution of the 1992 Constitution to Ghana’s democratic stability.

It noted that the Constitution, the country’s longest-serving, had provided the framework for nine Parliaments, five Presidents and four peaceful transfers of power from governing parties to opposition parties. However, the Institute said persistent gaps, ambiguities, weak institutions and the concentration of excessive powers in the Executive justified the demand for constitutional reform. It said the review must be guided by a clear national vision and an institutional structure capable of delivering accountable, effective and democratic governance.

IEA’s involvement in constitutional reform The Institute also highlighted its longstanding role in the constitutional reform process, including its contribution to the work of the 2011 Fiadjoe Constitutional Review Commission. It said it continued to advocate reform after the first major review process stalled and established the Oquaye Centre for Constitutional Studies in 2022 to promote public discussions on the Constitution. The IEA subsequently engaged the Prempeh Committee and submitted a detailed report containing its recommendations.

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has backed proposals to introduce lifestyle and wealth audits for public officials as part of efforts to detect unexplained wealth and combat corruption. In its constitutional review statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the IEA called for the measures to be entrenched in the 1992 Constitution rather than addressed solely through ordinary legislation. The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Prof H.

Kwasi Prempeh, proposed strengthening Article 286(4) by establishing mechanisms to investigate unexplained increases in the wealth of public officials. The recommendations include lifestyle and wealth audits, stricter deadlines for declaring assets and a reverse burden of proof, subject to appropriate safeguards. Under such a system, a public official could be required to explain the lawful source of assets or wealth considered disproportionate to their known income.