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Law Students’ Network warns executive dominance risks constitutional review
•2 min read•3 sources
The Law Students’ Network (LSN) has raised alarms over the executive branch’s significant influence on Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review process, warning of a fundamental conflict of interest. Speaking at a roundtable organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), LSN President Abraham Kwaku Gyasi argued that the executive should not maintain such high levels of control over reforms that are specifically intended to limit its own powers. The network emphasized that constitutional changes must undergo rigorous public scrutiny rather than being driven by the government of the day.
Specific criticisms were directed at the proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years, with the LSN demanding empirical evidence to justify why such a change is necessary for governance. The group also challenged the government's proposed model for electing District Chief Executives (DCEs), asserting that the current plan retains too much presidential influence over candidate selection. Furthermore, the LSN expressed disappointment over the government's rejection of amendments to judicial appointments and raised concerns about the practice of appointing Members of Parliament as Ministers, which they argue undermines the separation of powers.
In a related push for inclusion, the Ghana Youth Federation (GYF) called for direct youth representation on the Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC). GYF President Sharif Ghali emphasized that young people represent a dominant voting demographic and must be part of the decision-making process to ensure reforms reflect modern societal realities. The federation specifically advocated for the harmonization of age requirements, questioning the logic that allows 18-year-olds to vote but prevents them from seeking elective office.
While the LSN welcomed certain government-accepted reforms, such as the establishment of an Independent Public Emoluments Commission, the various youth and student groups maintain that the overall process must be more inclusive. They stressed that for the constitutional review to be legitimate and effective, it must adhere strictly to democratic principles and move beyond executive-led initiatives. The discussions at the IEA forum underscore a growing demand for a reform process that empowers local democracy and ensures a fairer distribution of political representation.
