Marietta Brew Leads 11-Member Committee to Implement 1992 Constitution Reforms and Presidential Term Changes

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has inaugurated an 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) to advance the comprehensive review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Chaired by former Attorney-General Marietta Brew, the committee is tasked with translating accepted recommendations from the Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh Constitution Review Committee into actionable legislation. This move follows the government's release of a position paper that formally accepted various reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s democratic framework. The CRIC is mandated to complete its work by November 2026, preparing the legal grounds for both entrenched and non-entrenched changes to the supreme law.

Among the most notable proposals under review is the potential transition from a four-year to a five-year term for both the presidency and Parliament. Other significant amendments include the direct election of local government leaders, adjustments to the size of Parliament, lowering the minimum age for presidential candidates, and allowing dual citizens to contest national elections. Chair Marietta Brew emphasized that the committee’s role is to implement rather than re-evaluate the constitutional recommendations, ensuring that the process remains focused on legislative drafting and the preparation of a potential referendum, which may coincide with the 2027 district assembly elections.

In tandem with the government’s efforts, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is finalizing its official stance on these proposed amendments. NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has constituted a specialized committee to reassess the party’s position on the reforms. This internal review committee, which includes legal experts from previous administrations, aims to provide a comprehensive response to the government’s position paper. The NPP has expressed a commitment to an inclusive process, asserting that any changes to the constitution must reflect a broad national consensus and preserve the stability of the country's democratic institutions.

Highlighting the importance of these reforms, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang recently emphasized that Ghana’s democratic gains must not be taken for granted. Speaking at Jubilee House, she noted that the sustainability of democracy relies on credible elections, public trust, and a political culture of tolerance. These themes of stability were further echoed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who recently praised the Dagbon Traditional Council for maintaining the Peace Accord during a period of transition, illustrating the ongoing necessity of institutional and traditional frameworks in preserving national peace.

As the CRIC begins its work, the Mahama administration has reaffirmed its dedication to accountable governance and the rule of law. The implementation process will require extensive legal and institutional procedures to ensure that the final reforms truly reflect the aspirations of the Ghanaian people. The successful navigation of these constitutional changes is viewed as a critical step in modernizing the republic's governance and ensuring that its democratic structures are resilient enough to face future challenges.