The Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD-GHANA) commends President John Dramani Mahama for establishing a Constitutional Review Committee, a move that demonstrates his commitment to reviewing the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
YADD-GHANA is a youth-led civil society organization aimed at promoting democracy and good governance for development. We believe that the current constitution has several provisions that are commendable, such as:
- Article 12-33: Protection of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms
- Article 34-41: The Directive Principles of State Policy
- Article 162-173: Freedom and Independence of the Media
However, we also identify areas that require reform, particularly in addressing corruption and ensuring the independence of state institutions. The fundamental problem of Ghana today is corruption and the structure of our economy, which is based on the 1992 national constitution.
YADD-GHANA proposes the following constitutional reforms:
- Limit the President’s power of appointment
- Make the Police Service independent and remove the President’s power to appoint its leaders
- Establish the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) as an independent constitutional body
- Empower Parliament to pass laws for non-partisan election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs)
- Establish the Office of the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) as an independent constitutional body
- Adopt a presidential system of government with a complete separation between the legislature and the executive
- Provide legal aid to citizens
- Make the National Youth Coordinator (NYC) independent and not subject to presidential appointment
- Provide financial assistance to political parties from state coffers
- Establish the Council of State as a second and upper house of Parliament
YADD-GHANA recommends that there is a need to have a youth commission in place of the present youth council, which should be provided for in the constitution. The essence of the national youth policy should be contained in the directive principles of state policy in the constitution.
WHEN I SAY YADD GHANA, YOU SAY; GHANA YOUTH FOR DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT! (3X)
GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA.
