Charlotte Osei calls for caution and balance in constitutional reform process

Lawyer and former Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Charlotte Osei, has urged caution and balance in the ongoing constitutional reform process, stressing the need to resolve existing challenges without introducing new ones.

Her comments follow the submission of the Constitution Review Committee’s (CRC) final report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22. The report contains key recommendations, including the separation of the legislature from the executive, a reaffirmation that the Constitution does not permit a third presidential term, and a proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years.

Speaking on Joy News on Saturday, December 27, Madam Osei noted that the review process was guided by fairness across all arms of government, including the legislature, judiciary, and executive.

She explained that reforms must be approached holistically rather than selectively, warning against scrapping existing arrangements without clear alternatives. She added that where technical expertise is required, such as in determining emoluments, it is prudent to rely on specialised bodies.

As a member of the CRC, Madam Osei outlined the committee’s detailed and systematic approach, noting that the final report spans about 100 pages and reviews past recommendations clause by clause, alongside public consultations to inform its decisions.

She also highlighted the committee’s handling of Article 71, which concerns the remuneration of public officeholders. According to her, the CRC opted for a comprehensive solution through a unified Public Emoluments Commission, similar to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, to address ex gratia payments and related concerns in a fair and sustainable manner.

Madam Osei further reflected on lessons from past local government reforms, observing that constitutional review commissions often face difficulties in ensuring that proposed solutions remain effective over time.