Accra:The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has called for constitutional reforms to restrict the President's appointing powers and enhance accountability, national development planning, and institutional independence.
According to Ghana News Agency, Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Immediate Past Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church Ghana, emphasized the need for long-term national development planning during a Constitutional Review engagement organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Accra. He argued that such planning would ensure policy continuity and foster bipartisan consensus on national priorities.
The Chancellor of the Methodist University emphasized strengthening the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and linking national budgets to long-term development goals. The engagement also allowed Christian and Muslim leaders to discuss proposals from the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) report.
The CRC, led by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, was established in January 2025 to review the 1992 Constitution comprehensively. The Committee submitted its final recommendations to President John Mahama in December 2025.
Rev. Dr. Boafo stated the CCG's opposition to extending the presidential and parliamentary term from four to five years, aligning with other institutions that prioritize policy continuity over a longer electoral cycle. The government had supported the extension, citing more time for policy activities.
Regarding presidential appointments, Rev. Dr. Boafo advocated for a constitutional framework that distinguishes between executive and independent constitutional bodies. He suggested involving key stakeholders in appointments to ensure transparency and merit in public appointments, and to maintain accountability for presidential appointees.
The CCG also backed initiatives to strengthen the independence and accountability of institutions like the Electoral Commission and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). However, it rejected a CRC proposal to cap the number of Supreme Court Justices at 15, citing concerns over increased workload unless the Court's jurisdiction is reassessed.
Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, opposed lowering the presidential age requirement to 35 years, emphasizing the importance of experience and maturity in leadership.
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo urged the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) to consider public opinions in executing the constitutional review's recommendations.