Experts Reject Call for New Constitutional Assembly

Two leading political science professors have cautioned that convening a fresh constituent assembly to overhaul the 1992 Constitution would add little value to Ghana’s democratic journey. Speaking at a recent workshop organized by the Institute of Governance and Development, Prof. Samuel Kofi Nyame warned that the proposal could become a costly diversion, especially when existing parliamentary mechanisms already allow for amendment. He stressed that Ghana’s legislative process is flexible enough to accommodate necessary changes without resorting to a full‑scale assembly.

Prof. Kojo Asante echoed the sentiment, highlighting the potential disruptions a new assembly could cause to the current political climate. He pointed to the 1992 framework’s resilience over three decades of uninterrupted civilian rule, suggesting that incremental reforms are preferable to a sweeping rewrite. Both academics underscored the importance of engaging citizens directly through public consultations rather than top‑down structures that could undermine public trust.

The debate comes at a time when political parties are reigniting discussions on constitutional amendments, especially around issues such as term limits and electoral reforms. Observers note that any attempt to establish a constituent assembly would likely reignite partisan tensions, especially if party loyalties remain fragmented.

While some civil society groups have voiced support for a more inclusive drafting process, the experts insist that the current parliamentary avenues remain the most pragmatic path forward. They recommend focusing on specific legislative tweaks rather than a blanket overhaul that could jeopardize stability.

For now, the proposal remains on the table but faces significant scholarly resistance. Stakeholders will continue to debate the merits of revisiting the 1992 Constitution without resorting to a new constituent assembly.