Religious leaders rally for review of 1992 Constitution to enhance democracy and inclusivity

Several religious leaders have thrown their support behind calls for the review of Ghana's 1992 Constitution to make it more inclusive and robust, in line with modern governance dynamics.

These leaders emphasized that the review of the Constitution should be focused on enhancing religious tolerance, deepening democracy, and improving the lives of the people.

Notable speakers at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IA) Constitutional Review Seminar in Accra included Dr Lawrence Tetteh, President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach; Sheikh AremeyawShaibu, Spokesperson for the National Chief Imam; Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana; Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission; and Apostle Samuel Amponsah Frimpong, Chairman of Christ Apostolic Church.

Dr Tetteh recommended extending the term of presidents from four to six years to provide sufficient time to plan and implement policies for the various sectors of the economy. However, he expressed concern over the excessive powers granted to the President, which limit checks and balances.

Dr Tetteh called for a reduction in the President's authority and an enhancement of Parliament's functions. Additionally, he called for gender inclusivity in the review of the 1992 Constitution and advocated for women to be allotted full representation in governance.

Sheikh Shaibu, on the other hand, suggested that instead of a total overhaul of the Constitution, the identified inadequacies after three decades of implementation should be addressed.

He called for an entrenched provision in the Constitution to make the long-term development agenda of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) binding on successive presidents. Sheikh Shaibu emphasized the need for a new breed of politicians who see politics as a means of serving the people and not amassing wealth.

Most Rev. Boafo recommended reviewing the indemnity clause, which protects Presidents from any prosecution within three years after leaving office. He argued that the Constitution's time period was inadequate for gathering evidence to support any prosecution in the event of mismanagement. Most Rev. Boafo also called for the constitutional recognition of Affirmative Action to promote inclusivity at all levels.

He suggested that the NDPC be entrusted with the country's development agenda, which should not be abandoned by any political party.

Maulvi Bin Salih praised the 1992 Constitution for promoting religious tolerance and called for any review of the Constitution to encourage religious harmony and peaceful co-existence.

He emphasized that Ghana should remain a secular state, allowing anyone to profess their faith in harmony. Maulvi Bin Salih urged the restraint of individuals who make fear-mongering speeches and attack people regardless of the consequences.

Apostle Frimpong hailed the 1992 Constitution as “the most enduring” but also called for a review of some portions of the Constitution to deepen the culture of democracy and create an inclusive atmosphere.

He recommended measures that would lead to the transformation of the economy to bring relief to the people. Apostle Frimpong also stressed that the review of the Constitution must focus on things that will make Ghana economically viable and eliminate poverty.