The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has stressed the urgent need to reform the 1992 Constitution.
Citing findings from Afrobarometer’s 2024 report, Bagbin highlighted that many Ghanaian youth are becoming disillusioned with democracy, raising concerns about the implications for the nation’s future.
During his address at the University of Ghana Alumni Lecture on September 19, he stated that addressing the constitution’s shortcomings is long overdue and must be prioritized.
“I believe the original intent of this constitution was to ensure political stability. While we have achieved that, it has come at the cost of development. We must now shift our focus to development, and the urgency of constitutional transformation cannot be overstated,” he said.
Bagbin echoed the sentiments of many Ghanaians who feel there is little hope, asserting that comprehensive change is necessary.
He noted that the constitution has numerous flaws that need immediate attention.
He also voiced concerns over the increasing monetization of Ghana’s political landscape, suggesting that while financial resources are not the sole determinant of electoral success, they disproportionately benefit those with deeper pockets.
In his view, Ghana’s democracy is at risk of becoming an auction where the highest bidder prevails, ultimately discouraging those unable to compete financially.
“Research studies by CDD Ghana showed that it costs approximately 100 million dollars and $693,000 to effectively fund presidential and parliamentary campaigns, respectively. As a former MP, I can see without a shadow of doubt that this is an understatement.”
