Accra: Mr. Kwesi Jonah, Head of Advocacy and Institutional Relations at the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), has urged Ghanaians to participate actively in the Constitutional Review Committee's (CRC) engagements to help shape constitutional reforms that reflect their needs. Describing the CRC's zonal consultations as a 'critical national exercise aimed at reshaping the country's legal and democratic foundations,' he emphasized that local participation was essential for the process.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Jonah highlighted the responsibility of citizens to partake in the CRC's zonal engagements, emphasizing that those living in communities understand the real challenges. Speaking during a citizen-engagement workshop in Accra, he stated, 'This is your opportunity to influence constitutional changes that better address your needs,' and encouraged broad national involvement.
Held under the theme 'Bridging the Gap: Citizen Engagement in Ghana's Constitutional Review Process,' the IDEG-organised workshop aimed to empower community leaders, women, and civil society actors with knowledge and tools to effectively contribute to the reform process. Participants came from the Greater Accra, Western, Eastern, Central, Western North, Bono, Oti, and Volta Regions.
Mr. Jonah reinforced the importance of grassroots voices in shaping Ghana's democratic future, stating, 'Democracy is not a spectator sport,' and added that 'active involvement in the constitutional review process is not only a right, but a national responsibility.' Attendees received practical advocacy training for engaging in public forums, including CRC consultations.
While the workshop sparked enthusiasm, some participants from marginalized communities raised concerns about access to engagement platforms. 'We are ready to speak and contribute, but we need to know how to get involved,' one participant remarked, underscoring the need for inclusive and transparent processes.
