The eight-member Constitutional Review Committee established by President John Dramani Mahama in January 2025 has submitted its final report, outlining far-reaching proposals to address gaps in earlier constitutional reforms and strengthen Ghana’s system of governance.
President Mahama received the report at a ceremony on Monday, December 22, 2025, from the committee’s chair, Prof H. Kwasi Prempeh, and subsequently directed that the document be published and made available to the public.
Among the most significant recommendations is a proposal to extend the presidential term of office from four to five years, while retaining the two-term limit.
The committee argues that the change would enhance governance stability and allow administrations sufficient time to develop and implement long-term policies.
The report also places strong emphasis on reforming local governance structures. It proposes the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and the formal integration of traditional authorities into local government.
“We think we are ready as a country to make a historic move in the way in which our local government is structured,” Prof Prempeh said during the presentation.
Under the proposed framework, traditional chiefs would initially participate in the legislative and deliberative work of district assemblies. Over time, they would take on more direct governing responsibilities at the sub-district level, particularly in towns and villages.
To manage the transition to elected MMDCEs, the committee recommends the establishment of a Devolution Commission. The body would oversee a phased rollout of elections, rather than conducting polls simultaneously across all 261 districts. Only districts that meet clearly defined benchmarks would begin the process, with others joining gradually.
On the presidency, the report reiterates the call for a five-year term and further proposes limits on political campaigning. It recommends a clearly defined campaign period, outside of which parties and candidates would be prohibited from activities such as rallies, posters and billboards.
“We hope if this is accepted, we will have a political or electoral environment where we do not run 24-hour, 24-seven, four-year campaigns,” Prof Prempeh explained.
The committee also advocates ending what it describes as the current hybrid relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, in favour of a clearer separation of powers.
In the public sector, the report proposes measures to curb excessive partisan influence. It recommends placing state-owned enterprises under constitutional oversight through a body similar to the State Interests and Governance Authority.
“We believe that we need to protect the state sector from over-politicisation,” Prof Prempeh said, noting that the economic scale and systemic risks associated with state-owned enterprises warrant stronger constitutional safeguards.
The report further proposes expanding the authority of the Council of State, aligning it more closely with its original 1969 conception as a co-guarantor in presidential appointments.
On anti-corruption efforts, the committee recommends the creation of a new, unified anti-corruption commission to consolidate prosecution functions currently spread across multiple agencies. Under the proposal, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice would refocus on its human rights and ombudsman responsibilities.
Adjustments are also proposed to the role of the Attorney General, with certain functions reassigned to ease the workload of the office.
Receiving the report, President Mahama described it as “a beautiful Christmas gift” and praised the committee for its integrity and credibility.
He announced plans to establish an implementation committee early in 2026, noting that some members of the review body would be invited to serve to ensure continuity.
“As soon as we resume early next year, we are moving from the constitutional review process into the implementation process,” the president said.
While acknowledging that several of the proposals are far-reaching, President Mahama said they are necessary to reinforce Ghana’s democratic architecture, particularly at a time when constitutional governance in parts of the sub-region is under increasing strain.
He added that the report would be published soon, stressing that he did not want it “kept like a nuclear secret,” though no specific publication date was announced.
Prof Prempeh disclosed that the committee conducted consultations across 10 regions, engaging academics, trade unions and citizens nationwide. He said the engagements revealed a strong public appetite for constitutional change.
Here’s the full report:
