The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has officially submitted its long-awaited Final Report to President John Dramani Mahama, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s democratic reform process.

The 127-page document, titled “Transforming Ghana: From Electoral Democracy to Developmental Democracy,” contains sweeping recommendations aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and citizen participation in the 1992 Constitution.

Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh chaired the committee. Click here to access the full report.

Here are 8 key takeaways from the CRC’s final recommendations:

1. Extend the Presidential Term to Five Years

One of the most debated proposals is to change the length of the presidential term from four to five years. The committee argues this will allow more time for long-term development planning, while critics warn it could reduce electoral accountability.

2. Separate the Executive from Parliament

The CRC recommends a clearer separation of powers by ending the current hybrid arrangement that allows ministers to be appointed from Parliament. This, the report suggests, will enhance executive accountability and legislative independence.

3. Restructure Independent Governance Bodies

Proposals include overhauling key institutions such as the Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civic Education and National Media Commission to strengthen independence, improve funding, and clarify appointment processes.

4. Electoral Commission Reforms and Term Limits
The CRC is proposing far-reaching reforms to strengthen the independence and credibility of the Electoral Commission, including a streamlined leadership structure and firm tenure limits. Under the recommendations, the EC would be reconstituted to comprise only a Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners, eliminating the current arrangement that allows part-time members with differing conditions of service. Appointment of the Commissioner and Deputies would follow an open, competitive, and merit-based process led by a reformed Council of State, administered by the Public Services Commission, and subject to parliamentary approval. Crucially, the Committee also recommends a single, non-renewable 10-year term for the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, or retirement at age 65, whichever comes first, alongside a three-year cooling-off period barring them from holding any other public office after leaving the Commission—measures aimed at insulating the EC from political influence and reinforcing public trust in Ghana’s electoral system.

5. Transform the Council of State

The Committee calls for restructuring the Council of State to reflect governance needs better—drawing inspiration from its 1969 design—to improve advisory functions and democratic participation.

6. Reform Local Governance and Traditional Authority Roles

The report addresses the role of traditional leaders and local governance institutions, suggesting clearer constitutional roles and boundaries to enhance decentralisation and accountability at the grassroots level.

7. Enhance Accountability and Public Service Integrity

Among broad governance reforms are recommendations to strengthen anti-corruption frameworks, clarify the role of the Attorney-General, consolidate oversight bodies, and ensure public service neutrality.

8. Expand Citizen Participation in Democracy

The Committee emphasises broader citizen engagement—including mechanisms for public initiative in constitutional amendment processes—and recommends amendments to political party funding, campaign financing, and internal party democracy.

What Happens Next?

President Mahama has welcomed the report and described portions of it as “revolutionary and radical,” affirming his commitment to bipartisan implementation. He is expected to establish an implementation committee in early 2026 that may include members of the CRC to ensure continuity and institutional memory in transitioning the recommendations into law.

Despite widespread consultation and public engagement throughout 2025, the report’s recommendations are likely to spark intense public debate and scrutiny before any constitutional amendments are enacted.

Other recommendations

1. Binding National Development Plan: Align all legislation and budgets with a Parliament-approved National Development Plan, making it justiciable and binding on local assemblies.
2. Reformed Council of State: Restructure to 33 members with enhanced roles in vetting key appointments and mediating conflicts, ensuring independence.
3. Independent Anti-Corruption Commission: Establish a new body merging with the Special Prosecutor for exclusive corruption investigation and prosecution.
4. Judiciary Streamlining: Cap Supreme Court at 15 Justices, introduce merit-based public vetting, and decentralize administration for efficiency.
5. State-Owned Enterprises Oversight: Constitutionalize SIGA for governance of SOEs, emphasizing merit appointments and transparency.
6. Public Lands in Trust: Vest public lands and resources in the people, managed by an independent Lands Commission with fiduciary duties.
7. Devolution Commission: Create an independent body to oversee decentralization, including elected MMDCEs in major districts.
8. Abolish Death Penalty: Substitute with life imprisonment, aligning with human rights advancements.
9. Enhanced Rights Protections: Introduce digital privacy, bodily integrity, and progressive rights to housing and healthcare.
10. Electoral and Parliamentary Reforms: Cap Parliament at 276 seats, prohibit MPs as Ministers, and allow dual citizenship for parliamentary candidates.
11. Media Commission Overhaul: Reduce NMC membership and expand mandate to regulate digital media and ethics.
12. Periodic Reviews and Citizen Initiatives: Mandate reviews every 20-25 years and allow citizen-proposed amendments.

The CRC, appointed in January 2025, aims to address historical gaps for inclusive governance.