Institute of Economic Affairs proposes constitutional reforms in Ghana

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has proposed several constitutional reforms in Ghana aimed at ensuring policy continuity and strengthening the separation of powers.

To prevent successive administrations from repeatedly resetting the national development agenda, the IEA advocates for a binding, long-term national development plan. This would be managed by an independent National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) with tenures separate from the presidency. While the government has expressed concerns that such powers could transfer executive functions to unelected technocrats, the IEA argues that a credible framework would provide stability while allowing elected officials to pursue their mandates within an agreed direction.

Additionally, the IEA supports a recommendation from the Prempeh Committee to prohibit Members of Parliament from simultaneously serving as ministers, deputy ministers, or regional ministers. The Institute contends that the current practice weakens parliamentary scrutiny, as many lawmakers depend on presidential appointments for executive roles. Separating these roles is intended to enhance Parliament’s independence and its capacity to hold the Executive accountable.