Commission Poised To Produce Credible Report

20-04-2010
The constitutional review commission says it is determined to produce credible report for the advancement of the country’s constitutionalism. A commissioner of the review committee, Gabriel Pwamang, who made the disclosure at a Regional Public Forum at Bolgatanga, encouraged the general public to participate fully in the exercise being carried out throughout the country, since Ghana is making strides on the roadmap to constitutionalism despite the enormous challenges to the country’s governance progress. Isaac Asare sat in for Radio Ghana and has sent this report.
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Report
The constitution Review Commission was set up by the constitution Instrument 2010 (C.I) 64 as a commission of enquiry into the over 16-years operation of the 1992 constitution. This has become necessary in view of the growing demand on the need to revise the constitution, hence, the establishment of the commission of enquiry to sample the public views as to whether the timing of the review is right or wrong. A nine member committee was therefore inaugurated by the President, Prof John Evans Attah Mills on January 11, 2010 with a three prong mandate to ascertain public views on the strength and weaknesses of the constitution, articulate the concerns of the Ghanaian populace as regards to the amendments that may be required for a comprehensive review of the constitution, and also make recommendations to the government for consideration and provide a draft bill for possible amendment to the constitution. Addressing participants, Mr Pwamang said the enquiry will provide a platform for the people of Ghana to express and submit their suggestions and opinions on the fundamental law which governs their lives. This, he said represents a true expression of democracy. He said the commission having gone through several processes with various consultations is likely to make possible changes in some portions of the constitution or possibly retain them. Mr Pwamang, entreated the populace to contribute meaningfully at the on-going community and district level consultations to help address all bottlenecks associated with the 1992 constitution. The Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Mrs Lucy Awuni called on NGOs, chiefs and individuals to contribute meaningfully and constructively in order to help them come out with structured review for the benefit of Ghanaians, Mr. Clement Kojo Akapame said his outfit has so far generated 44 issues of the constitution that cuts across the Executive, Judiciary, the legislature, as well as the role of chiefs in active partisan politics among others. Mr. Akapame expressed the hope that views elicited at the end of the exercise in September, this year, would contribute in deepening the country’s democracy, and urged all to cooperate with the commission in producing a credible report for consideration.
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