Law Students’ Network warns executive dominance could undermine constitutional review

The Law Students' Network (LSN) has raised concerns that Ghana's ongoing constitutional review process could potentially lead to an institutional conflict of interest due to the executive branch's ongoing control over key decisions concerning proposed reforms. The LSN's President, Abraham Kwaku Gyasi, expressed this worry during a roundtable discussion organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Accra on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

The forum delved into the Constitution Review Committee's report, chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, and the government's response to its recommendations. The LSN acknowledged that the government has the right to review the committee's proposals, as the report is advisory rather than binding. However, the network argued that issues arise when the institution under review simultaneously holds the dominant role in deciding which limitations should be enforced.

This concern is particularly pronounced when proposals to restrict presidential appointment powers or bolster independent oversight have been rejected.

The LSN also questioned the government's strategy to introduce two bills to implement the proposed reforms, one for non-entrenched provisions and another for entrenched provisions that require a referendum. The network warned that expediting the drafting and parliamentary review of these bills might reduce public scrutiny of potentially contentious changes. As stated in the network's paper, "Constitutional reform must not become an exercise in legislative speed at the expense of democratic legitimacy."

Furthermore, the LSN emphasized that the process should adhere to the principles outlined in Article 1(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which asserts that sovereignty resides with the people. They also referred to data from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which identified 22 recommendations as fully accepted, 25 as partially accepted, out of the 147 examined. The LSN acknowledged that the figures' methodology remains open to scrutiny.

Despite its reservations, the network expressed support for the government's acceptance of several proposed reforms, including the creation of an Independent Public Emoluments Commission, the repeal of the death penalty, and measures to enhance the independence of certain public institutions. Other speakers at the forum included Titus Owusu Darko of the National Union of Ghana Students and Sharif Ghali of the Ghana Youth Federation.

The event was moderated by Dr. William Kofi Osew, with opening and closing remarks delivered by the former Speaker of Parliament and IEA Distinguished Fellow, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye.