Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, the Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has told the Mahama government to publish draft bills on the proposed constitutional reforms for public review before they are finalised.
According to Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, the implementation process must allow further input from political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to build broad consensus around the reforms.
He further cautioned against rushing the process without securing wider agreement.
Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue on the Constitutional Reform Implementation Process, organised by the Citizens Platform on Constitutional Reform with support from the British High Commission, Prof. Prempeh stated, “Even a proposal that many might consider worthwhile will fail to reach the finishing line. A reform that collapses after so much public expenditure, time and effort is not a saving of time.
“Consensus built early is far cheaper than consensus that feels late,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has supported the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) call for broader consultation in the ongoing review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
According to Lawyer Kpebu, the John Mahama government did not show the NPP enough respect.
Lawyer Kpebu stressed that he agreed with the principle behind the NPP’s demand, particularly the need to broaden participation in the constitutional review process.
Speaking on Joy News on September 18, 2026, Martin Kpebu stated, “I agree with the spirit of the suggestion. The spirit of it is that there should be broader consultation”.
“But as to whether we should go and set up another Constituent Assembly, my thoughts are still evolving,” he added.
Lawyer Kpebu further questioned the approach adopted by the government, saying, “It was always clear from day one. I just believe, I don’t know how government could have thought that they could go through this process without really making NPP front and centre of it”.
“You see, NPP has a large following. I mean, for crying out loud, even their worst performance in the last election, they’ve got what? Almost 42%,” he said.
He further argued that where a referendum requires 40% of eligible voters to participate and 75% of those voting to support the proposal, engaging the opposition becomes essential.
Kpebu added, “So, when you are going to go through a referendum that requires 40% of the electorate and 75% should vote in favour, you must make your opposition people front and centre of the whole process”.
“I’m not surprised this came. I mean, the NPP have done what they’ve done, because I don’t think they were accorded enough respect,” he said.
“Speaking bluntly, government didn’t show them enough respect at all.”
@ghnow_ Construction of the new Airport Tower is nearing completion, with work on the facility almost finished. #GHnow #fyp ♬ original sound – Sensor Media
@ghnow_ Francis Odega and Lil Win get into character as they take on their roles in A Journey to Africa movie production in Ghana. #GHnow #fyp ♬ Wogbe – Amandzeba Nat Brew
