Committee Begins Work on Constitutional Review Proposals

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has inaugurated an 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) to begin work on proposals aimed at reviewing Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The inauguration marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to translate recommendations from the Constitution Review Committee into concrete reforms and actions. The development follows the government’s release of its position paper on recommendations contained in the report of the Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh.

Mandate of the Implementation Committee

The newly constituted committee has been tasked with examining the government’s position paper alongside the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee. It is expected to develop a comprehensive and structured framework for implementing the proposals accepted by government. The committee’s work will focus on identifying practical measures required to move the constitutional reform process from recommendations to concrete proposals, legislative actions and other necessary steps.

Marietta Brew to Chair Committee

Presidential Legal Counsel and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, has been appointed Chairperson of the committee. The other members are

Dr Justice Srem Sai

Thomas Ampem Nyarko

Charlotte Osei

Dr Rainer Akumperigya

Emelia Ankomah

Kwame Ayimadu Antwi

Samuel Passah

Oliver Baker Vormawor

Salamatu Iliasu 

Eric Owusu-Mensa.

Oliver Baker Vormawor will serve as Secretary, while Salamatu Iliasu will serve as the Draftsperson.

Representation from Parliament and Local Government

The composition of the committee brings together representatives from different institutions and stakeholders involved in Ghana’s democratic governance.

Emelia Ankomah represents the Majority in Parliament, while Kwame Ayimadu Antwi represents the Minority.

Samuel Passah represents local government, with Eric Owusu-Mensa serving as Parliament’s representative.

The inclusion of representatives from both sides of Parliament and local government is expected to support a broad-based approach to the implementation process.

Focus on Inclusive Constitutional Reform

The committee is expected to provide a clear pathway for translating the recommendations accepted by government into specific proposals and actions.

Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the constitutional review process is inclusive and transparent.

According to government, the exercise should reflect the aspirations of Ghanaians while contributing to the strengthening of democratic governance and the country’s constitutional order.

Next Stage in the Review Process

The inauguration of the CRIC represents the next stage in Ghana’s constitutional reform process.

It follows the submission of the Constitution Review Committee’s recommendations and the government’s subsequent consideration of the proposals.

With the implementation committee now constituted, attention is expected to shift towards determining how the accepted recommendations can be developed and ultimately implemented to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions and governance system.