The Citizens’ Platform on Constitutional Reforms (CPCR) has called for constitutional changes that would strengthen Parliament’s independence and sharpen the separation of powers between the Legislature and the Executive.
The Platform said the ongoing Constitution Review process presented an opportunity to address institutional arrangements that could weaken Parliament’s ability to effectively scrutinise government and hold the Executive accountable.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on the Constitution Review process and the Government’s Position Paper, Professor Akosua Darkwah, who represented the CPCR, said the Platform remained opposed to the continued appointment of Members of Parliament (MPs) as ministers.
She also opposed proposals that would allow MPs to simultaneously serve as ministers, deputy ministers or regional ministers.
According to Prof. Darkwah, Parliament’s constitutional responsibility was to make laws, scrutinise government policies and provide oversight of the Executive on behalf of citizens.
She said combining legislative and executive responsibilities could blur the institutional boundaries between the two arms of government and create difficulties for effective parliamentary oversight.
“Reforms aimed at reinforcing the separation of powers would allow Parliament to exercise its oversight functions more effectively without potential conflicts arising from dual responsibilities,” she said.
The CPCR further proposed that MPs should be constitutionally barred from serving on governing boards, councils and procurement committees of publicly funded institutions.
Prof. Darkwah said such reforms would help strengthen checks and balances and promote greater institutional independence within Ghana’s constitutional system.
She said the objective should be to establish institutions capable of functioning effectively irrespective of which political party was in government.
The CPCR therefore urged the Government and the Constitution Review Implementation Committee to reconsider their position on the matter and support reforms that would strengthen accountability and institutional independence.
Prof. Darkwah stressed that broad national consultation and consensus-building would be necessary to ensure that proposed constitutional amendments reflected the aspirations of Ghanaians.
She said constitutional reform provided an opportunity to address longstanding governance concerns and improve public confidence in democratic institutions.
The CPCR, she added, would continue engaging the Government, Parliament, political parties, organised labour, professional bodies and civil society organisations on issues emerging from the Constitution Review process.
