The Constitution Review Committee (CRC), led by Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, has proposed far-reaching amendments to the 1992 Constitution, including a five-year presidential term, the election of Metropolitan, Municipal & District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and sweeping reforms aimed at reducing executive dominance and strengthening accountability.
The recommendations are contained in the Committee’s final report titled “Transforming Ghana: From Electoral Democracy to Developmental Democracy,” presented to President John Dramani Mahama during a short ceremony at the presidency on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, after nearly a year of nationwide consultations and stakeholder engagements.’
The 127 paged doucment contains several recommendations, but here are a few key recommendations:
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Presidency: Longer Tenure; Fewer Privileges
Among the most significant proposals is an amendment to extend the presidential term from four to five years, while maintaining the two-term limit. The Committee argues that the additional year would allow governments more time to plan and implement long-term development policies without the constant pressure of election cycles.
The CRC also recommends lowering the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 30 years, a move intended to broaden youth participation at the peak of national leadership.
In a departure from long-standing constitutional privileges, the report also proposes that the President should pay taxes on salaries, allowances and benefits like every other citizen. It further recommends limiting post-presidency immunity, allowing criminal proceedings to be initiated within four years after a President leaves office.
Separation of Powers and Smaller Government
To strengthen Parliament’s independence, the Committee recommends barring Members of Parliament from being appointed as Ministers or Deputy Ministers. The total number of Ministers is also proposed to be capped at 57, with Cabinet Ministers limited to 19.
A Minister who Parliament censures should, under the proposals, be mandatorily removed and barred from reappointment within the same term.
Parliamentary and Electoral Reforms
The CRC proposes capping the size of Parliament at 276 MPs (the current level) and ensuring public participation in the legislative process. It also calls for reforms to reduce excessive party control over MPs and to make parliamentary leadership selection more democratic.
On elections, the Committee recommends the creation of an Independent Registrar and Regulator of Political Parties and Campaigns to oversee party financing, enforce internal democracy, and curb vote buying and vigilantism. A publicly supported Democracy Fund is also proposed to strengthen political parties beyond election seasons.
Human Rights, Inclusion and Social Justice
In a bold rights-based shift, the CRC proposes abolishing the death penalty and constitutionally recognising rights to food, housing, health, education, and digital privacy. The report also advances stronger protections for women, children, persons with disabilities, and historically marginalised communities, including Zongo communities.
Decentralisation and Local Governance
The report strongly backs the election of MMDCEs as part of a broader push for genuine decentralisation. It also recommends the establishment of an Independent Devolution Commission and greater fiscal autonomy for local governments.
A New Democratic Direction
According to the CRC, the recommendations are aimed at shifting Ghana from a system focused largely on electoral competition to one that delivers tangible development outcomes, stronger institutions and deeper public trust.
The report is expected to form the basis of future constitutional amendment processes, subject to Cabinet consideration, parliamentary approval and where required, a national referendum.
Read Full Report Here:
Final-Recommendations-of-the-CRC_Presented-to-President-Mahama