Cabinet Concludes Final Review of Government Position on Constitutional Reforms
By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News Canada | July 14,2026
The Government of Ghana has entered the final stage of determining its official response to proposals for amending the 1992 Constitution, with Cabinet holding its third and concluding meeting to review the government’s position paper on the recommendations submitted by the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC).
Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, that Cabinet was meeting to complete deliberations on the extensive constitutional reform proposals, marking a significant milestone in what could become the country’s most comprehensive constitutional review since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.
The meeting follows two previous Cabinet sessions dedicated to examining recommendations presented by the Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by constitutional law scholar Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh.
The Committee submitted its final report to President John Dramani Mahama on December 22, 2025, after conducting nationwide consultations that gathered views from citizens, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, professional groups and other stakeholders across Ghana.
The Committee was tasked with reviewing previous constitutional reform initiatives while identifying areas where Ghana’s governance framework could be strengthened to better reflect contemporary democratic expectations.
Among its most notable recommendations is a proposal to extend the presidential term of office from four years to five years. Other recommendations include separating the offices of Ministers of State and Members of Parliament, establishing an independent Emoluments Commission to determine salaries and benefits for public office holders, and reforming the appointment process for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
President Mahama has consistently maintained that the constitutional review seeks to strengthen–not replace–the 1992 Constitution.
According to the President, the Constitution has served Ghana well throughout the Fourth Republic and remains one of the country’s strongest democratic foundations.
He explained that the proposed amendments are intended to improve the document’s effectiveness while ensuring that it remains relevant for future generations.
Unlike reports produced by commissions of inquiry, which require government white papers, constitutional review recommendations require the preparation of a government position paper outlining which recommendations will be accepted, modified or rejected.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that government would not adopt every recommendation exactly as proposed. Instead, Cabinet has carefully assessed each proposal based on legal, administrative and practical considerations before reaching final decisions.
Once Cabinet approves the position paper, government intends to publish the document to enable Ghanaians to understand its position on every recommendation contained in the Constitutional Review Committee’s report.
Following publication, government will establish a Constitutional Review Implementation Committee to oversee the implementation process. The Attorney-General and the government’s legal team will also harmonise the approved position paper with the Committee’s report before implementation begins.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has already indicated that government has completed drafting the position paper and expects constitutional amendment bills to be introduced before Parliament during the current sitting.
He cautioned Members of Parliament to prepare for an intensive legislative agenda, as amendments affecting both entrenched and non-entrenched constitutional provisions are expected to be considered.
Under Ghana’s constitutional framework, entrenched provisions require approval by the Council of State before being subjected to a national referendum. Amendments affecting non-entrenched provisions also require Council of State consideration but can be approved by Parliament through the constitutionally required supermajority.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations advocating constitutional reforms have urged government to publish a clear implementation timetable to ensure the process remains on schedule.
The groups warned that unnecessary delays could reduce momentum for the reforms, particularly as future electoral cycles approach.
President Mahama has assured citizens that the review process will remain transparent, inclusive and guided solely by the national interest.
The outcome of Cabinet’s final deliberations is expected to determine the next phase of what could become Ghana’s most significant constitutional reform exercise in more than three decades.
Commentary | Boakye Stephen
Constitutional reforms shape the future of democratic governance and should rise above partisan interests. Transparency, broad public participation and careful implementation will be essential if the proposed amendments are to strengthen public confidence in Ghana’s constitutional order while preserving the stability that has characterised the Fourth Republic.
