The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has called for a transformation of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, highlighting its many flaws.
During his address at the University of Ghana (UG) Alumni Lecture on the theme “30 Years of Parliamentary Democracy: The Journey Thus Far,” Speaker Bagbin expressed concerns about the growing disillusionment among the youth regarding democracy, as revealed in Afrobarometer’s 2024 report.
He pointed out that this disillusionment poses a significant threat to the nation’s democratic future.
He argued that while the constitution has played a role in maintaining political stability, it has also led to issues that hinder overall national development.
The Speaker noted that the excessive concentration of power in the executive branch undermines the balance of power among the various arms of government.
He explained that these constitutional flaws not only affect governance but also impact citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.
Mr Bagbin emphasised that a more balanced distribution of power is essential for fostering a more equitable and effective government.
The Speaker’s remarks come at a critical time when discussions about constitutional reform are gaining traction in Ghana. By addressing these issues, Bagbin aims to encourage a broader dialogue on how to strengthen democracy in the country.
Speaker Bagbin urged stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about constitutional reforms that would better reflect the needs and aspirations of all Ghanaians, particularly the youth who are increasingly questioning the effectiveness of the current system.
“The focus of the first brains behind drafting this constitution was to achieve political stability. If my guess is right, I must admit we have succeeded in doing just that at the expense of development.
“We now have to move on to focus on development. I don’t need to call on, but we must take up a constitutional transformation.”
“I agree with Ghanaians who say that there is nothing to reform. We have to transform everything. This constitution has many defects and the time to fix those defects has been long overdue.”
“While the defects are too many, I will just highlight three of them that have impacted the work of parliament. One is the excessive executive power,” he stated.
