Tema-West MP Backs President’s Move to Review Ghana’s 33-Year-Old Constitution

Accra: Mr. James Enu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema West, has expressed his support for President John Dramani Mahama's recent decision to initiate a constitutional review. Mr. Enu emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it aims to ensure that Ghana's constitution aligns with the nation's current needs and challenges.According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama inaugurated an eight-member Constitutional Review Committee on January 30. This committee is tasked with identifying and addressing gaps and challenges related to the implementation of previous constitutional review efforts carried out by the 2010 Committee. Mr. Enu, who is also a lawyer, highlighted the necessity of amending certain provisions of the 1992 Constitution, which has been in effect for nearly 33 years without any major revisions. He pointed out that such updates are crucial for promoting good governance, strengthening democracy, and addressing emerging legal and political concerns.Mr. Enu noted, "There a re a few provisions in the constitution that have come under discussion in terms of how we can review it to fit our current circumstances. As a nation, as we grow, our circumstances change, and it's therefore important to review our laws to reflect our hopes and aspirations as a country."In his conversation with the Ghana News Agency, he praised the President for initiating the constitutional review process. He stressed that it is an essential step for national progress and called on all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens, to actively participate in the review.The MP outlined several key areas that the review might focus on, such as the method of appointing or electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Currently, these officials are appointed by the President and approved by local assemblies, but there is an ongoing debate about whether they should be elected instead.Additionally, Mr. Enu mentioned the constitution al restrictions on dual citizens holding certain public positions. He explained that this limitation prevents many qualified individuals from contributing to the country's development through public service, despite their acquired skills and expertise.Furthermore, he touched upon the debates surrounding whether assembly member elections should be conducted along partisan lines. Although the current system mandates non-partisan elections, in practice, many assembly members are politically aligned, influencing their decisions and interactions.Mr. Enu also highlighted the potential consideration of capping the appointment of Supreme Court justices as part of the review process.