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The Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Prof Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has acknowledged that Ghana’s Constitution grants excessive power to the president, a situation he says undermines good governance.
According to him, many proposals received from stakeholders for the review process advocate for a reduction of the president’s constitutional powers to promote a more balanced system of governance.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, March 17, Prof Prempeh reflected on the challenges of such concentrated power, noting that while it grants the president a significant level of control, it also comes with substantial responsibility.
"Some of this power is actually burdensome, and we should not forget that there is a flip side to this," he noted.
He further elaborated on the pervasive influence of the president in national affairs, stating that virtually nothing of importance can be achieved in Ghana without the attention and approval of the president.
"The president indeed has this proportionate power, and nothing good that you want done in this town can move if you don’t get the attention of the president. Also, nothing bad that must be stopped, unfortunately, can get stopped unless it is to the president that we appeal," he remarked.
Prof Prempeh added, "So whether it is galamsey happening in the hinterland or whatever, it is to the president that we appeal because, on his or her say-so, action can take place."
While recognising the critical role the president plays in decision-making, Prof Prempeh expressed concern about the over-centralisation of power, describing it as a "burdensome power" that, in his view, could be better distributed.
"I think that a good president must not like it," he stated.
Prof Prempeh also suggested that a president who is truly committed to decentralisation and empowering local leaders would be inclined to relinquish some of his or her power.
"If you get a president who is minded in this direction, they will be more than happy to give up some of the power," he said.

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