Listen to TUC, chiefs, professional bodies on constitutional reforms – NPP to NDC gov’t

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called upon the NDC government to heed the concerns of labour organizations, traditional leaders, professional bodies, and other stakeholders before advancing proposed constitutional reforms. At a press conference unveiling the party's stance on constitutional review, Gushegu MP Sulemana Tampuli Alhassan emphasized that the Constitution belongs to the Ghanaian people and its modification should not become a partisan affair governed by the ruling administration.

The NPP is specifically advocating for wider consensus and the formation of a Constituent Assembly to deliberate on the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) prior to presenting the proposals to the public through a referendum. Alhassan urged stakeholders, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Citizens’ Platform, chiefs, professional bodies, students, traders, and farmers, to be heard during the deliberations.

The NPP echoed the concerns raised by the TUC and other stakeholders, who have urged the government to involve the opposition and other stakeholders in the process of amending the 1992 Constitution. The TUC has criticized the CRC's consultation process as lacking inclusiveness and expressed doubts about allowing constitutional changes to be influenced by the preferences of the current government.

Both the TUC and the Citizens' Platform have rejected the proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years unless accompanied by broader governance and accountability measures. They also oppose permitting dual citizens to stand for parliamentary elections without renouncing their other citizenship. The NPP believes that these concerns underscore the necessity for a more inclusive approach before Ghanaians are asked to vote on constitutional amendments.

The party pledged its support for the Committee's recommendations to become law and for the public to cast confident votes in the referendum, knowing that the matter has been thoroughly debated and agreed upon by the trusted representatives of the people. The NPP is calling on the government to establish a Constituent Assembly to provide a platform for nationwide discussions on the proposed changes to the 1992 Constitution.

The party expressed willingness to be a partner in this process if the government follows their advice. The demand for a Constituent Assembly has also been echoed by other stakeholders, such as the Ghana Bar Association, who advocate for broader discussions on the proposed alterations to the 1992 Constitution.