The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is preparing to challenge some parts of the government’s position on the proposed constitutional reforms.
Manhyia South MP and member of Parliament’s Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, says the NPP has completed its position paper and submitted it to the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for approval.
He said the party needs to clearly state its own position because it is not yet clear whether the government’s proposals reflect what the NPP told the Constitution Review Committee during its consultations.
“It is more important that we come out with a position paper because, if you recall, in the run-up to the committee putting together its report, it did extensive consultations.
“It consulted the NDC, it consulted the NPP, it consulted the government, it consulted major stakeholders, including sitting presidents, past presidents, and so on and so forth, before coming out with their position paper,” he said.
Mr Awuah said the NPP would actively push its position instead of leaving the process entirely to the government.
“Our supporters across the length and breadth of the Republic of Ghana must know the position of our party, and we are going to canvass vigorously, vigorously.”
He said the reforms were important because some of the proposed changes would require a referendum.
Mr Awuah also questioned how ordinary voters would be educated on several proposed constitutional changes before voting.
“My grandmother, who lives in my village in Achiase, how is she going to now go and vote on every provision which is subject to amendment, either yes or no? How are you going to do that education?”
He said the process should involve more than just the government.
On district assembly elections, Mr Awuah said the NPP would oppose any system that limits candidates to people chosen by the ruling party.
“We believe that, just as is done in most advanced democracies, there should be an election where political parties should be free to put people up for an election, to sponsor people for an election, where a person who is independent can also sponsor himself for an election.”
He added: “It should not be circumscribed. It should not be restricted to groups of persons nominated by the ruling party for an election. And so we cannot, by any stretch of imagination, agree to this position.”
Mr Awuah said the NPP’s position paper would be released before the end of 2026.
“Of course. It certainly will be before the end of this year.”
