NPP Warns Ghana: Constitutional Referendum Control Must Be Fair

• The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has warned the government against dominating the campaign for Ghana's upcoming constitutional amendments referendum.
• NPP spokesperson Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah stated the party would vigorously advocate its position, which is awaiting approval from flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
• The proposed changes involve Ghana's entrenched constitutional provisions and could significantly alter the nation's foundational document.
• The NPP has completed its detailed position paper, developed through extensive consultations with former Attorneys-General and senior lawyers, and expects its release before the end of 2026.
• The Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC), inaugurated on August 28, 2026, is tasked with translating agreed reforms into legislative and constitutional amendment processes.

The upcoming referendum is far from an ordinary political exercise, as it involves Ghana entrenched constitutional provisions, which are designed to be particularly difficult to amend.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a strong caution to the government regarding its potential influence over the campaign for Ghana's impending constitutional amendments referendum. Speaking on September 2, 2026, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who serves as the Manhyia South MP, Vice Chair of Parliament's Subsidiary Legislation Committee, and a member of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, articulated the NPP's firm stance. He indicated that the party is prepared to launch a vigorous campaign to advocate for its position once it receives final approval from its flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

This proactive approach stems from the NPP's belief that the proposed Ghana constitutional amendments referendum could profoundly reshape the nation's foundational legal framework. Awuah underscored the critical nature of these amendments, emphasizing that they are not merely routine adjustments but changes that could significantly alter the very character of the Ghanaian Constitution. The party intends to ensure its supporters across the country are fully aware of and appreciate the NPP's perspective on these crucial reforms.

The NPP's resolve to actively participate in shaping public discourse is rooted in a historical precedent. Awuah explicitly stated that the party would not remain passive and permit the governing party to monopolize the amendment process, drawing a parallel to the events surrounding the 1992 constitutional arrangements. He stressed that the sheer volume of proposed amendments presents a substantial challenge for public education, particularly for ordinary voters, making it imperative that the process is not left solely to the government.

The upcoming referendum is far from an ordinary political exercise, as it involves Ghana entrenched constitutional provisions, which are designed to be particularly difficult to amend. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah highlighted that the extensive number of proposed changes could fundamentally transform the constitutional landscape, necessitating a broad and inclusive public engagement process. He questioned why various stakeholder positions had not been mediated earlier to foster broader agreement, suggesting that a more collaborative approach could have mitigated potential conflicts.

The NPP's position constitutional review efforts have been comprehensive, culminating in a detailed paper that has already been submitted to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his endorsement. This document, which outlines the party's official stance on the proposed amendments, is expected to be publicly released before the end of 2026. The party aims for this release to precede the formal initiation of the referendum processes, ensuring their viewpoint is established early.

To develop its robust position, the NPP undertook extensive consultations, engaging a distinguished group of legal experts. This included former Attorneys-General such as Gloria Akuffo, Ayikoi Otoo, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Joe Ghartey, Godfred Yeboah Dame, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, and Diana Asonaba Dapaah, alongside other senior lawyers like Mr. Frank Davies.

In parallel with the political parties' preparations, the Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) was formally inaugurated on August 28, 2026. This 11-member committee holds a pivotal role in the ongoing constitutional reform process, tasked with implementing the recommendations put forth by the original Constitution Review Committee, which was chaired by Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh.

The CRIC is chaired by Presidential Legal Counsel Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, with Oliver Barker-Vormawor serving as its Secretary. Its mandate includes meticulously examining both the review proposals and the government's official position on these matters. Ultimately, the committee is responsible for translating any agreed-upon reforms into the appropriate legislative and constitutional amendment processes, thereby facilitating the practical implementation of changes to Ghana's supreme law. The work of the CRIC, alongside the advocacy of parties like the NPP, will be central to shaping the future legal and regulatory environment in Ghana.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Ghana should closely monitor the ongoing constitutional amendment process, particularly the positions of major political parties like the NPP and the work of the Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC). Proposed changes to entrenched constitutional provisions could significantly alter the legal and regulatory landscape, necessitating proactive advice to clients on potential impacts to their operations, rights, and compliance obligations.

Source: Original reporting via Abubakar Ibrahim