Lack of consensus threatens to prolong constitutional reform process – Baffour Awuah

District Assembly elections are emerging as a major flashpoint in Ghana’s proposed constitutional reforms. Manhyia South MP and member of Parliament’s Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, says the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) will not support proposals that restrict who can contest the elections. He said the party is preparing its own position paper on the proposed constitutional amendments.

“It is more important that we come out with a position paper because, if you recall, in the run-up to the committee putting together its report, it did extensive consultations.” He said the Constitution Review Committee consulted political parties, government and other major stakeholders before producing its report. “None of us know what the NDC may have presented to them, right? And so we are not able to say whether the position paper as put forward by the government is the same as what was given to the H.

Kwasi Prempeh Committee.” According to him, the NPP therefore needs to clearly state its position before the amendment process begins. He said the party’s position would also be important because some proposed amendments would require a referendum. “Our supporters across the length and breadth of the Republic of Ghana must know the position of our party, and we are going to canvass vigorously, vigorously.” He said the constitutional review could significantly alter the character of Ghana’s Constitution.

“Look, this is not an ordinary exercise; it’s a very significant exercise.” Mr Awuah warned against leaving the process entirely to the government. He said voters would need extensive education, particularly if several entrenched provisions are put to a referendum. “My grandmother, who lives in my village in Achiase, how is she going to now go and vote on every provision which is subject to amendment, either yes or no?

How are you going to do that education?” He said the absence of early mediation between competing positions could make the process longer. “We are likely to have a long way ahead of us.” One issue he expects to generate significant debate is the election of District Chief Executives and the structure of district assembly elections. He recalled that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had proposed that District Chief Executives be elected through universal adult suffrage.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has warned the government against taking control of the campaign ahead of a referendum on proposed constitutional amendments. He said the party’s position is important because several proposed amendments could significantly alter the character of Ghana’s Constitution. “Look, this is not an ordinary exercise; it’s a very significant exercise.