Constitutional reforms must rise above partisan interests – Prof Kwasi Prempeh
Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, has urged Ghana's political leaders to approach constitutional and governance reforms from a long-term national perspective rather than through the lens of immediate partisan advantage.
Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the Constitutional Review Committee, has called on Ghanaian political leaders to prioritize long-term national interests over immediate partisan gains when it comes to constitutional and governance reform. He cautioned against the tendency of both ruling governments and opposition parties to evaluate reform proposals based on their potential political benefits at any given moment.
Instead, Prempeh argued that constitutional reforms must be designed to serve the enduring welfare of the nation, recognizing that political fortunes fluctuate and that a party that governs today could easily become the opposition tomorrow.
Emphasizing the transient nature of political power, Prempeh pointed out that elections do not invariably favor the wealthy, as incumbent governments in African nations have been defeated despite significant financial and institutional advantages. He noted that while governing parties often support reforms that bolster their incumbency, opposition parties frequently oppose them, fearing potential disadvantages.
This short-sighted approach, he contended, impedes the development of robust constitutional frameworks that would benefit all citizens and governments equitably.
Drawing on the work of American political philosopher John Rawls, whose principles of justice advocate for the creation of fair institutions irrespective of personal interests, Prempeh urged political actors to adopt a "veil of ignorance" when crafting constitutional reforms. This hypothetical perspective encourages policymakers to imagine themselves in an unknown social position before establishing rules that govern society.
Prempeh argued that applying this concept would lead to the creation of institutions that are fair, balanced, and sustainable, rather than tailored to the interests of the party currently holding power.
Prempeh stressed that constitutional reform should not be viewed through the lens of current political positions but rather through the broader objective of strengthening democratic institutions for the benefit of future generations. He urged both governing and opposition parties to set aside partisan calculations and collaborate on reforms that promote accountability, fairness, and national development.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
