1992 Constitution Needs Amendments, Not Overhaul – Former Deputy A-G
Ghana’s 1992 Constitution has become a focal point of national debate, with calls for reform growing louder. At a recent public lecture in Sunyani, former Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah defended the document, arguing it remains resilient despite modern governance challenges. “The framework has proven flexible enough to handle current demands,” he stated, urging stakeholders to prioritize amendments over a total rewrite.
A Foundation Rooted in History
Drafted by the Committee of Experts under President Jerry Rawlings, Ghana’s 1992 Constitution replaced decades of political instability with a democratic blueprint. With 290 articles, organized into 26 chapters, you can get the 1992 Constitution of Ghana PDF here, it established a presidential system, separation of powers, and fundamental rights. Key features like term limits and judicial independence aimed to prevent authoritarianism. While critics cite gaps in accountability, its role in stabilizing Ghana’s democracy for over three decades underscores its foundational importance.
Why Amendments Trump Overhaul
Tuah-Yeboah’s stance aligns with the constitution’s inherent adaptability. For instance, its provisions enabled landmark reforms like the creation of specialized courts and anti-corruption bodies. The five pillars of its importance democratic governance, rule of law, human rights, decentralization, and national unity remain relevant. However, debates persist on updating areas like LGBTQ+ rights and executive powers. Civil society groups pushing for a new constitution argue it lacks modern inclusivity, but Tuah-Yeboah insists targeted changes can bridge gaps without destabilizing governance.
Citizen Duty in Constitutional Governance
The lecture, organized by Greenfield College-Law Faculty’s SRC, emphasized civic engagement. Bernard Owusu Asiamah, the SRC President, stressed the need for “critical discourse to strengthen democracy.” Tuah-Yeboah echoed this, urging institutions to uphold their mandates. “The constitution isn’t self-executing it thrives when citizens and leaders actively defend it,” he noted.
Ghana’s 1992 Constitution is crucial as the country faces modern challenges. Its ability to be amended allows for progress without needing a complete overhaul.