NPP NEC meets today to discuss and approve party’s position paper on Constitution Review proposals

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to convene today to deliberate on and endorse the party's stance on suggested alterations to Ghana's 1992 Constitution. This follows the finalization of a review of the Constitutional Review Committee's (CRC) report and the government's stance on the proposed amendments.

The NEC's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Policy Committee conducted the review, resulting in a position paper detailing the party's perspective on the recommendations. The document was subsequently forwarded to the party's presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and the NEC for further deliberation and adoption.

The NEC's meeting is anticipated to establish the party's ultimate stance on the proposed constitutional modifications before communication to the Ghanaian populace. Key proposals under evaluation encompass a five-year presidential and parliamentary term limit, the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), an expansion of Parliament from 275 to 300 members, and a decrease in the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35.

The government has also endorsed proposals enabling Ghanaians with dual citizenship to compete in parliamentary elections, the repeal of the death penalty, and the provision of equal voting rights to all members in good standing of political parties in the selection of parliamentary and presidential candidates.

The NPP asserts that its review was motivated by its involvement in the national constitutional review process, during which it submitted inputs to the CRC. In a statement issued on August 28, the party affirmed its dedication to a transparent, inclusive, and orderly constitutional review process that preserves Ghana's democracy, fortifies constitutional institutions, and fosters political stability and advancement.

Upon the NEC's evaluation and endorsement, the NPP is expected to formally disclose which of the proposed amendments it supports, rejects, or seeks to amend.