Building Consensus on Constitutional Reform in Ghana
29 September 2026 | Alisa Hotel, Accra
Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.
It was a privilege to represent the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and deliver remarks at the Stakeholder Dialogue on Ghana’s Constitutional Reform Implementation Process, held under the theme “Building Consensus on Constitutional Reform in Ghana.”
In my remarks, I expressed appreciation to CDD-Ghana, the Citizens Platform for Constitutional Reform, STAR-Ghana Foundation and the UK FCDO for creating an important platform for inclusive and constructive dialogue.
I emphasised that Ghana’s constitutional reform process is not simply a legal or political exercise. It is a national conversation about the kind of democratic institutions, governance systems and society we want to build for present and future generations.
I noted that while stakeholders may hold different views on specific recommendations, our differences should not prevent us from identifying areas of common national interest.
“The strength of a democratic society is not that everyone agrees; it is that we have the institutions and civic space to disagree respectfully, listen to one another and find common ground where possible.”
I also highlighted the critical role of the media in ensuring that constitutional reform does not remain confined to policy rooms, legal circles or political institutions.
The media must help translate complex constitutional issues into accurate, accessible and understandable information so that ordinary citizens can participate meaningfully in the process.
I further stressed the importance of ensuring that women and young people are not merely present in the conversation but that their perspectives meaningfully inform the reform agenda.
As stakeholders engage with the Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC), Government, Parliament and citizens, I encouraged participants to approach the process with openness, respect and a willingness to listen.
The objective should be to move beyond simply asking, “What is my position?” and also ask:
“What can we collectively do to strengthen Ghana’s democratic institutions and improve governance for present and future generations?”
I concluded by calling for informed citizens, courageous conversations and constructive engagement as Ghana advances its constitutional reform journey.
