Constitutional Referendum to Coincide with 2027 District Assembly Poll

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to hold a national referendum on proposed constitutional amendments alongside the 2027 District Assembly elections. The referendum will give voters the opportunity to elect Assembly Members and decide on proposed changes to the entrenched provisions of the 1992 Constitution.

Constitutional Review in Full Swing

The President made the announcement during a citizens' engagement in Bolgatanga as part of his two-day working tour of the Upper East Region under the Resetting Ghana Tour. According to President Mahama, the government is preparing to determine which of the proposed constitutional changes require parliamentary approval and which will have to be subjected to a referendum.

"We therefore want to add the referendum to the District Assembly elections next year," the President said. "Next year, apart from voting for your Assembly Members, you will also be required to vote on the constitutional amendments."

Review Implementation Committee Takes Center Stage

President Mahama also announced plans to inaugurate a Constitutional Review Implementation Committee to consider the government's position paper alongside the reports of the Constitutional Review Commission. The committee will synthesise the two documents and categorise the proposed amendments into entrenched and non-entrenched provisions.

"For non-entrenched clauses, we only need Parliamentary approval," the President explained. "We will put them before Parliament, and Members will vote and pass them." He added that amendments affecting entrenched provisions would require the additional constitutional process of a referendum.

Kologo Traditional Area Requests Addressed

During the engagement, President Mahama also responded to development requests from the Paramount Chief of the Kologo Traditional Area, Naba Clifford Abagna Tandegrewongrekugre Asobayire V. The traditional leader had appealed for the construction of a road in the area and the establishment of a Senior High School.

President Mahama directed the Minister of Roads and Highways to ensure that the road project was undertaken. He also instructed the Minister of Education to take steps towards establishing a Senior High School in the Kologo Traditional Area.

Next Steps in Constitutional Reform

The referendum will require a successful turnout, with at least 40 percent of registered voters participating and 75 percent of those who vote saying yes. The President's announcement marks a significant step in the country's constitutional reform process. As the government moves forward with the referendum, citizens will have the opportunity to shape the country's future.

With the District Assembly elections and the constitutional referendum set for 2027, the stage is set for a major exercise in democratic participation. The outcome of the referendum will have far-reaching implications for the country's governance and institutions.

Source: JOY