President John Dramani Mahama has released the full Report of the Constitution Review Committee, after the committee, chaired by H. Kwasi Prempeh, presented to him at a ceremony at the Presidency on Monday, December 22.
Key among the proposals is an extension of the presidential term of office from four years to five years, as part of recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and policy continuity.
Other proposals are changes to local governance, including the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and the inclusion of traditional chiefs in local government structures.
“We think we are ready as a country to make a historic move in the way in which our local government is structured,” Prof Prempeh said during the presentation.
Under the proposals, chiefs would initially take part in the legislative and deliberative work of district assemblies. Over time, they would assume more direct governing roles at the sub-district level in towns and villages.
The committee also recommends the creation of a Devolution Commission to oversee the phased introduction of elections for MMDCEs, instead of holding elections in all 261 districts at the same time. Districts that meet clearly defined benchmarks would begin the process, with others joining later.
Attached below is a copy of the report