The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is expected to meet today to consider and approve the party’s position on proposed amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
The meeting follows the completion of the party’s review of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) report and the government’s response to the proposed amendments.
The NPP’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Policy Committee conducted the review and prepared a position paper outlining the party’s views on the recommendations.
The document has since been submitted to the party’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and the NEC for consideration and approval.
The NEC’s decision is expected to determine the NPP’s official position before the party communicates its views to the public.
Several major proposals are under consideration, including a five-year term for the President and Parliament. Another proposal seeks to introduce the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
The review also covers a proposal to increase the number of Members of Parliament from 275 to 300 and reduce the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35.
The government has further supported proposals to allow Ghanaians with dual citizenship to contest parliamentary elections.
Other proposed reforms include the abolition of the death penalty and granting equal voting rights to all members in good standing of political parties during the selection of parliamentary and presidential candidates.
The NPP said its review was informed by its participation in the national constitutional review process, during which it submitted its views to the CRC.
In a statement dated August 28, the party said its Constitutional and Legal Affairs Policy Committee had completed a detailed review of both the CRC report and the government’s response.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, inclusive and orderly constitutional review process that protects Ghana’s democracy, strengthens constitutional institutions and promotes political stability and development.
Following the NEC meeting, the NPP is expected to announce the proposals it supports, rejects or wants modified.
