The Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD Ghana), a youth-led civil society organisation, has called for sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at making Ghana’s 1992 Constitution more responsive to modern governance challenges and inclusive of youth and regional voices.
Addressing the media during an open forum at the University of Ghana on July 16, the Executive Director of YADD Ghana, James Kofi Martey, stressed that constitutional review should not be viewed through a partisan lens, but rather as a national exercise rooted in justice, integrity, and the aspirations of future generations.
“This project is about reaffirming our democratic values and setting a stronger foundation for generations ahead,” Mr Martey said. “Our constitution should embody our highest aspirations — not just for today, but for tomorrow’s Ghana.”
He argued that while the 1992 Constitution has served the country well, evolving socio-political realities demand a bold re-examination of its provisions. “Democracy is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey,” he said. “As society evolves, so too must our foundational laws. A constitutional review is not about instability — it’s about renewal, resilience, and relevance.”
YADD Ghana, formed in 2021, advocates for civic engagement, institutional reforms, accountable governance, and youth empowerment. At the forum, Mr Martey outlined the group’s key reform proposals, including an end to the practice of Members of Parliament simultaneously serving as ministers, and the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on a non-partisan basis.
“We must ask: are Parliament’s powers balanced? Should MPs continue to serve as Ministers? Such dual roles can strain their oversight functions,” he queried.
He also raised concerns about the politicisation of prosecutions, noting that the current arrangement, where the Attorney-General is appointed by the President, undermines prosecutorial independence. “How do we ensure that the prosecutorial discretion of the Attorney-General is not tainted by partisan considerations?” he asked.
On decentralisation, Mr Martey noted that voices from across the country must be reflected in the national conversation. “Is our system sufficiently decentralised? Regional voices are intrinsic. Local hearings and outreach are essential,” he said.
YADD Ghana proposed that the constitutional review process be anchored on three core principles: participation, transparency, and regional inclusivity. The group called for public forums, clear timelines, and accessible documentation to be central to the review effort.
Additionally, the group is advocating for clearer constitutional protections for equality, social welfare, gender parity, and the rights of vulnerable groups, drawing inspiration from international frameworks.
Referencing think tank IMANI Africa, Mr Martey echoed their call that the strength of Ghana’s democracy lies in its ability to evolve. “A well-established democratic dispensation is its ability to adapt to changing trends and the needs of the governed,” he said.
He concluded with a strong call to action: “Let us not view constitutional review as political posturing — but as an opportunity to reaffirm democratic values and set a stronger foundation for generations ahead.”
The open forum was attended by civil society organisations, youth leaders, political science students, and media representatives.
