Sophia Akuffo Calls for Thoughtful Review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution
While praising its role in stabilizing Ghana’s Fourth Republic, Akuffo urges updates to reflect modern governance challenges
- Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo says Ghana’s 1992 Constitution has served the country well but needs review
- She calls for updates, not a complete rewrite, to address modern governance challenges
- Her remarks fuel the ongoing national debate on constitutional reform and accountability
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has urged a comprehensive review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, noting that while it has served the country effectively, certain provisions need updating to align with contemporary realities.
In an interview on Wednesday, November 5, Justice Akuffo praised the Constitution for providing stability throughout the Fourth Republic but stressed the importance of evolving the nation’s governing framework.
“The Fourth Republic or the Constitution of the Republic has, to a very large extent, served us well. It helped us stabilise our independence, so to speak. Therefore, the Constitution is a document that I have a lot of respect for,” she said.
However, she cautioned that no human-made system should remain static. “There is nothing in human creation that is sacrosanct or intended to remain the same forever. Things must evolve. Having lived under the Constitution for this long, there are still improvements to be made — not a complete rewriting, but a review.”
Justice Akuffo highlighted that while some sections of the Constitution have functioned effectively, others need adjustment, and new provisions could be introduced to address modern governance challenges.
“There are parts that have served us well, parts that could do better with some tweaking here and there, and others that should be revised. Maybe there could also be some things added,” she added.
Her comments contribute to the ongoing national dialogue on constitutional reform, with governance experts and civil society groups advocating for measures to enhance accountability, curb excessive executive power, and foster inclusive governance.
