The National Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Platform on Constitutional Reforms (CPCR) has commenced a nationwide public sensitisation on the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee and the Government White Paper issued on it.

The exercise, which is being rolled out across all regions, is aimed at educating citizens and identifiable groups on the far-reaching recommendations and to collate public views on which portions of the 1992 Constitution should be amended.

The program is led by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Democracy Hub and Star Ghana Foundation, with funding support from UK International Development.

In an interview Simon Asore, he explained that the sensitisation has become necessary to deepen citizens’ understanding of the reform process and ensure broad participation.

He also said the engagements have produced interesting perspectives from citizens:

On tenure of office, many participants backed the recommendation for a five-year term for the President, but were in favour of maintaining unlimited terms for Members of Parliament.

On the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), opinions were sharply divided. While a section advocated for non-partisan election, others argued that MMDCEs should be appointed from the ruling government to help drive the President’s vision at the local level.

Majority of participants also kicked against the appointment of MPs as Ministers, contending that the dual role prevents them from effectively attending to constituency issues.

Another key proposal that came up was that the President should pay tax to set a good example of leadership.

The CPCR says the nationwide engagements will continue in the coming weeks to ensure every Ghanaian has a voice in the new constitutional reform process.