President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for Ghana to hold a national referendum on proposed constitutional amendments in 2027, alongside the District Assembly Elections.
The President made the announcement during a citizens’ engagement as part of his Resetting Ghana Tour in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.
According to President Mahama, Ghanaians will have the opportunity to vote for their Assembly Members while also deciding on proposed changes to the country’s Constitution.
“Next year, apart from voting for your Assembly Members, you will also be required to vote on the constitutional amendments,” President Mahama said.
Constitutional Referendum to Address Entrenched Clauses
President Mahama explained that the proposed constitutional reforms would be divided into entrenched and non-entrenched provisions.
He said the government would soon inaugurate a Constitutional Review Implementation Committee to examine the government’s position paper alongside recommendations contained in reports from the Constitutional Review Commission.
The committee will be responsible for reviewing and synthesising the proposals before determining the appropriate constitutional process for each amendment.
For non-entrenched provisions, President Mahama explained that parliamentary approval would be sufficient. Such amendments would be presented to Parliament for consideration and voting.
However, amendments involving entrenched constitutional clauses would require a national referendum before they could be implemented.
40% Voter Turnout Required for Constitutional Referendum
President Mahama explained that constitutional provisions classified as entrenched require specific constitutional thresholds to be met during a referendum.
He said at least 40 percent of registered voters must participate, while 75 percent of those who vote must approve the proposed amendments for the changes to succeed.
The President therefore intends to combine the referendum with the 2027 District Assembly Elections, allowing eligible voters to participate in both processes on the same occasion.
If the referendum meets the required constitutional thresholds, the government will proceed with implementing the approved amendments.
Mahama Directs Construction of Kologo Road
During the citizens’ engagement in Bolgatanga, President Mahama also responded to development requests from the Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, Naba Clifford Abagna Tandegrewongrekugre Asobayire V.
The traditional leader appealed to the government for the construction of a road in the area and the establishment of a Senior High School (SHS).
In response, President Mahama directed the Minister of Roads and Highways to take steps to ensure that the requested road is constructed.
He also instructed the Minister of Education to work towards establishing a Senior High School in the Kologo Traditional Area.
Constitutional Reform and Development Agenda
The proposed referendum forms part of the government’s broader efforts to advance constitutional reform and governance reforms in Ghana.
If approved, the amendments could introduce changes to aspects of Ghana’s constitutional and governance framework.
The planned 2027 referendum, to be held alongside the District Assembly Elections, will therefore give eligible Ghanaian voters an opportunity to participate directly in decisions concerning proposed changes to entrenched provisions of the Constitution.
Source: newsthemegh.com