Ghana’s 1992 Constitution has proven resilient and remains a cornerstone of the country’s democratic stability nearly 33 years after its adoption, according to Lamtiig Apanga, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gaming Commission.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Apanga said the constitution deserved to be celebrated “in a very elegant manner” for providing Ghana with one of the most stable democratic systems in West Africa. He noted that the country has experienced peaceful transfers of power between political parties, a record he described as evidence of a mature and enduring constitutional order.
Mr Apanga recalled that the constitution successfully guided Ghana through a sensitive transition from military to democratic rule, adding that its framers included provisions that reassured former military leaders they would not be mistreated under the new dispensation. He said those transitional safeguards helped ease political tensions and strengthened national cohesion at a critical period in the country’s history.
He also highlighted what he described as robust clauses within the constitution that protect democratic governance, including provisions that allow citizens to resist and restore constitutional rule in the event of an unlawful overthrow, with immunity from prosecution.
According to Mr Apanga, these safeguards have contributed significantly to the constitution’s longevity. However, he said nearly 33 years of operation made it timely to reflect on the document and consider measured reforms.
“In the life of any nation, this is an appropriate moment to review what works well and what can be improved,” he said, while stressing that any review should preserve the constitution’s core democratic values.