President John Dramani Mahama expressed profound optimism and a deep sense of responsibility as he swore in members of the Constitutional Review Committee on Thursday, January 30, 2024.
In his address, President Mahama emphasized that the inauguration was not just another event on the national calendar, but a moment of reflection on Ghana’s democratic journey and a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to shaping a future that genuinely mirrors the aspirations of its people.
He highlighted the importance of the 1992 Constitution, which has served as the bedrock of Ghana’s democracy for over three decades. President Mahama reflected on the Constitution’s role in guiding the nation through periods of growth and challenges, securing citizens’ rights and freedoms, and ensuring peaceful transitions of power. He praised those who framed the Constitution, acknowledging their foresight in creating a document that has stood the test of time and become the backbone of Ghana’s progress. However, he noted that, like any living organism, the Constitution must evolve to meet the needs of a changing world.
The President stressed that the call for constitutional reform was not an admission of failure but a recognition of the progress Ghana has made. The nation’s democracy, he said, must be dynamic, responsive, and in tune with the people’s needs. Over the years, gaps and challenges have emerged that require attention, and the time has come for the legal framework that governs Ghana to evolve accordingly.
Mr. Mahama also paid tribute to previous efforts to refine the Constitution, particularly the work of the Commission established under former President John Evans Atta Mills, as well as the efforts of the Constitution Review Implementation Committee chaired by Professor Danquah. These initiatives laid a solid foundation for the reforms that followed. More recently, in 2023, President Nana Akufo-Addo established the Constitution Review Consultative Committee, which submitted its findings in December 2023.
As he addressed the new committee members, President Mahama reminded them of the weighty responsibility they carried. Their task was not simply to review reports and propose amendments; they were helping to shape the future of Ghana. He emphasized that their work must lead to meaningful constitutional amendments that will benefit both present and future generations. This, he said, must not be another chapter in the history of unfulfilled reform efforts, but rather a turning point for Ghana, where the country moves decisively from discussion to action.
