It’s time to reduce the power of the presidency in our constitution – Dr. Bawumia

The 2024 flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to review the 1992 Constitution if elected president, with the aim of focusing more on economic development rather than solely on democratic stability.
Dr Bawumia observed that while the 1992 Constitution was instrumental in stabilising Ghana’s democracy, this objective has been successfully achieved over the past 30 years.

Dr Bawumia emphasised the need for amendments to the constitution to address current economic challenges and promote development.

He believes that the time has come to make necessary changes to the document to better support the country’s economic growth and prosperity.

Addressing the Volta Regional House of Chiefs in Ho last week during his regional tour, Dr Bawumia assured the chiefs that he would prioritise the constitutional amendments to reflect the evolving needs of the nation.

He highlighted the importance of aligning the constitution with the country’s economic goals.

In his address, Dr Bawumia reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the constitution supports both democratic stability and economic development, promising to make the required changes if given the mandate to lead the country.

“I also believe that we need constitutional changes. I think our constitution is a good one, it was done for political stability and we have had political stability over the past 30 years. But, I think now there may be the need for certain changes that we should do to see the constitution towards economic development.

“Prof Atta Mills, May God bless his soul, started the constitution review. We should take it up and do broad consultations. I think in this process it is also time to reduce the power of the presidency in our constitution. I think the era for that strong president is a past era. Now, as we move towards trying to get the constitution moving towards economic development, we should reduce the powers of the presidency and we will get a bit deeper democracy, in my view,” he said.

Source: myjoyonline