Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has stressed the urgent need to overhaul Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
He cited Afrobarometer’s 2024 report, which reveals a growing disillusionment with democracy among Ghanaian youth, posing a threat to the country’s stability.
Speaking at the University of Ghana Alumni Lecture on the theme “30 Years of Parliamentary Democracy: The Journey Thus Far” in Accra, Bagbin emphasized that the constitution, while achieving political stability, has significant flaws that hinder the country’s development.
“The focus of the first brains behind drafting this constitution was to achieve political stability,” Bagbin noted. “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.”
Bagbin believes that the constitution’s primary focus on political stability has come at the cost of Ghana’s overall development. He argued that it is time for the country to shift its focus towards development-oriented policies and institutions.
“I don’t need to call on, but we must take up a constitutional transformation,” Bagbin urged. “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.”
As a seasoned politician and lawmaker, Bagbin’s concerns are rooted in his extensive experience. He has served as Minister for Health, Majority Leader in Parliament, and currently, Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
One of the key issues Bagbin highlighted was the excessive executive power, which undermines the balance of power among government branches and impacts Parliament’s effectiveness.
“The excessive executive power is one of the defects that have impacted the work of Parliament,” Bagbin stated.
He emphasized that this concentration of power limits the ability of other branches of government to check and balance the executive.
Bagbin’s call for constitutional transformation echoes the sentiments of many Ghanaians who feel that the current system hinders the country’s progress.
The growing disillusionment with democracy among Ghanaian youth, as revealed by Afrobarometer’s report, underscores the need for urgent action.
Ghana’s 1992 Constitution has been in place for over three decades, and while it has provided stability, it is clear that reforms are necessary to address the country’s development challenges.
By addressing the concerns raised by Bagbin and other stakeholders, Ghana can move towards a more equitable and effective democratic system, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens.
In conclusion, Bagbin’s emphasis on transforming the 1992 Constitution resonates with the aspirations of many Ghanaians.
As the country continues on its development trajectory, it is essential to prioritize constitutional reforms that promote development, accountability, and good governance.
