Kpebu backs broader consultation on constitutional review but questions NPP’s proposed Consultative Assembly

Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has expressed skepticism towards the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) proposal for a Consultative Assembly as part of Ghana's constitutional review process. This proposal was rejected by the opposition party, which instead advocated for the establishment of a Consultative Assembly to deliberate on proposed changes.

At a press conference on September 17, 2026, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, stated that the scale of the proposed reforms is beyond what should be considered routine amendments under Chapter 25 of the Constitution. The NPP has vowed to oppose these amendments in Parliament and campaign against them in a referendum.

Reacting to the NPP's stance, Kpebu acknowledged the intention behind the proposal, particularly the call for broader consultation. However, he questioned whether the creation of another Consultative Assembly was the most effective approach. Kpebu suggested that the government should engage the NPP directly and seek areas of consensus rather than returning to the same model. He proposed holding an online ballot of what the NPP agrees on before proceeding to a referendum.

Kpebu also highlighted that some proposed reforms, such as the four-year presidential term and the system for electing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), could be discussed between the government and the opposition. He advocated for non-partisan elections for MMDCEs, emphasizing that "if you want to be MCE of the Kokomlemle area, you can just go ahead. You don’t need political party colours."

The legal practitioner argued that a more flexible engagement process that allows the wider public to express its views might be preferable to creating another Consultative Assembly. He cautioned that additional structures could delay the constitutional review process, potentially extending the timeline beyond 2028.