Gen Z activism, election disputes make constitutional reforms necessary – Prof H. Prempeh

Generational shifts in activism and recurring election disputes mean Ghana must rethink parts of its Constitution, Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh has argued.

The Chair of the Constitution Review Committee said civic engagement and political contestation have evolved sharply since the constitution became operational, making reform unavoidable.

“When the earlier report came, we were talking about millennials. Today, it’s Gen Z—citizen activists using social media in very different ways,” Prof Prempeh said on Newsfile on Saturday. “You cannot disregard these intervening developments.”

He stressed that post-2011 electoral experiences, particularly election petitions, have reshaped Ghana’s democratic practice.

“As of 2011, we had not even had a single election petition. Since then, we’ve had two,” he noted, describing them as constitutionally significant developments.

According to Prof Prempeh, these disputes have tested institutions and exposed gaps that must be addressed through reform.

“Our democracy has changed, and the constitution must respond to that reality,” he said.

He also pointed to Ghana’s first hung parliament as another turning point. “We have since had one, and how it affects governance is something we must seriously consider,” he added, noting the impact on decision-making and executive-legislative relations.

Beyond domestic politics, Prof Prempeh said regional instability in West Africa further underscores the need for reflection.

“The return of coups d’état is not abstract,” he said. “If you follow youth reactions, democracy is on the ropes again in parts of the region.”

He explained that the committee’s approach went beyond simply harmonising existing provisions.

“We read our terms of reference and recognised that a lot has happened since the first big report,” he said, adding that public engagement was central to the process.

The Constitution Review Committee was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama in January to engage Ghanaians and submit proposals for reform. The committee has since presented its findings to government.

Among its recommendations is a proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years, a suggestion Prof Prempeh said reflects new political realities shaping Ghana’s democracy.