An exclusive interview conducted by Dennis Awuni with Tatale-Sanguli MP, Hon. William Ayo Ntebe, has shed light on the ongoing constitutional reform process and the delay in releasing the full report submitted to the President.
Hon. Ntebe explained that the delay is necessary because of the sensitive nature of constitutional reforms. According to him, the report must be carefully reviewed, with thorough stakeholder engagement to ensure that any proposed changes truly reflect the needs and interests of Ghana.
He acknowledged that the 1992 Constitution is outdated and requires amendments. He cited past governance practices, including the large number of ministerial appointments under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as an example of why reforms are necessary to limit excessive executive powers without stripping the presidency of its authority.
The MP stressed that constitutional amendments cannot be rushed, as the process demands careful scrutiny to avoid future governance challenges. He noted that previous administrations were able to appoint over 100 ministers, a situation he believes reforms should address.
When asked about the timeline for the release of the full report, Hon. Ntebe stated that the decision lies solely with the President, who will determine when it is appropriate to make it public.
On whether Parliament broadly supports the constitutional reform bill, he indicated that both the Majority and Minority are in support. He clarified that debates in Parliament should not be mistaken for disagreement, but rather seen as a necessary process of refining ideas to achieve a common goal.
Addressing comparisons to the LGBTQ+ bill, Hon. Ntebe explained that the constitutional reform process is different, as it is not a private member’s bill but a broader national initiative, making it unlikely to face the same challenges.
