Investment consultant Kwame Pianim has urged caution in the constitutional amendment process spearheaded by the Mahama administration. In a recent appearance on Joy News’ The Pulse, he stressed that reforms should be grounded in practical political experience rather than solely relying on the insights of legal scholars and academic technocrats.
“Recommendations resulting from constitutional review discussions must first be transformed into a white paper for public and parliamentary debate before any referendum is considered,” Pianim advised.
He emphasized the need for involvement from individuals who intimately understand the intricacies of Ghanaian politics, saying, “We want people with practical experiences to identify what has gone wrong in our political system.”
The Constitutional Review Committee, established by President Mahama shortly after his tenure began in January, submitted its final report in December 2025. Among its proposals is an extension of the presidential term from four to five years, as well as a reduction in the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 30 years.
Pianim questioned the wisdom of the age proposal, prompting a critical inquiry into whether those proposing the reforms would apply the same logic to other significant positions in the country. “Which of the lawyers reforming this for us will agree to a 40-year-old serving as Chief Justice or leading the bar association?” he asked. “Some roles require judgment and wisdom that come with age. with experience.”
This latest push for constitutional reform isn’t new; Ghana has previously pursued similar initiatives. A comprehensive reform effort in 2010 yielded numerous relevant proposals, yet many have yet to be implemented.
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Pianim also advocated for a national dialogue on political party financing, stressing that corruption must be tackled at its roots. “Without addressing the sources of corruption, even the best-crafted constitution won’t protect us from the dishonest leaders we continually elect,” he remarked.
In conclusion, Pianim’s calls for deeper public involvement and scrutiny underscore the importance of a reflective and well-rounded approach to constitutional amendments in Ghana.
