A leading constitutional law expert, Kofi Quashigah, has called for a measured and institutionalised approach to constitutional reform in Ghana, stressing that sustainable change lies in gradual amendments rather than sweeping overhauls.
Speaking at a policy dialogue in Accra organised by the Institute for Democratic Governance in collaboration with Oxfam, Prof. Quashigah highlighted the importance of building strong systems to manage constitutional change over time.
The event, themed “Towards Effective Constitutional Amendment: The Necessity of Legal and Institutional Safeguards,” brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society actors, political party representatives, and youth leaders.
Rather than pursuing wholesale constitutional reforms, Prof. Quashigah advocated a structured, incremental process that allows for careful adjustments without disrupting the broader legal and institutional framework.
He noted that while amendments to non-entrenched provisions may be more achievable, broader constitutional changes remain constrained by strict legal requirements, particularly under Article 290 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
According to him, meaningful reform should not be rushed within the limited timeframe of a single government administration but should instead be treated as a long-term national project.
Prof. Quashigah further emphasised the need to establish dedicated institutions to oversee and sustain constitutional amendments, warning against reliance on temporary or ad hoc mechanisms.
Drawing on international examples from Illinois and California, he proposed the adoption of a continuous constitutional review process in Ghana, including periodic reviews every 20 to 25 years. Such an approach, he said, would ensure that the Constitution evolves in line with changing societal needs while maintaining stability.
He also observed that public dissatisfaction with governance is likely to persist regardless of reforms, reinforcing the need for a flexible and responsive amendment system that can adapt over time.
Prof. Quashigah’s remarks underscore a growing consensus among policy experts that Ghana’s constitutional development must be deliberate, inclusive, and sustained through strong institutional frameworks.
