# Ghana constitutional reform moves toward approval > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-constitutional-reform-debate > Updated: 2026-08-28T15:22:44.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 6. In late July 2026, the Ghanaian constitutional review process intensified. The Supreme Court’s examination of Article 66 drew criticism from New Patriotic Party National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, who warned that a “strange” interpretation could create a loophole for repeated returns to power and throw the nation “into a state of turmoil.” On 30 July, the government accepted recommendations to allow dual citizens by birth to contest parliamentary elections and hold senior roles such as Chief Justice and Speaker of Parliament, though the presidency and vice-presidency remain reserved for single-citizenship holders. Attorney General Dominic Ayine noted the previous restrictions “sits uneasily with our engagement with the diaspora.” By 31 July, the government officially endorsed extending presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years, lowering the presidential candidacy age to 35, and moving elections to early November. The government clarified that the five-year term applies only to future administrations, not the current term of President John Dramani Mahama. Additional reforms accepted by the government include the election of District Chief Executives, the abolition of the death penalty, and a proposed limit of 60 ministers and 300 parliamentarians. On 14 August, President Mahama announced that a national referendum on the proposed amendments will be held in 2027, scheduled to coincide with the District Assembly elections. On 28 August, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine inaugurated the 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) to oversee the overhaul of the 1992 Constitution. Chaired by Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, the bipartisan committee includes members such as former Electoral Commission head Charlotte Osei and Secretary Oliver Baker Vormawor. The CRIC is tasked with translating government positions and previous recommendations into legislative amendment bills, using a prepared ‘zero draft’ document, with a goal of presenting the first set of non-entrenched amendment bills to Parliament by November 2026. ## Claims - Attorney General Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine inaugurated the 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC). (disputed by 7 sources) - President John Dramani Mahama appointed the constitutional review committee in 2025. (disputed) - The Ghanaian government accepted the recommendation to extend the presidential term from four to five years. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Ghanaian government accepted the recommendation to extend the parliamentary term from four to five years. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Ghanaian government accepted, with modification, to lower the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35 years. (corroborated by 5 sources) - A national referendum on the constitutional amendments is scheduled for 2027. (corroborated by 4 sources) - For the referendum to be valid, at least 40 % of registered voters must participate and 75 % of those voting must approve the amendments. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Attorney General Dominic Ayine announced the government's acceptance of the proposals. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The committee is expected to present the first set of non-entrenched constitutional amendment bills to Parliament by November 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A 'zero draft' document has been prepared to serve as a starting point for the committee's drafting work. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The committee has approximately sixteen months to complete its mandate, potentially leading to referenda. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: Ghana inaugurates committee to implement constitutional reforms Ghana's Attorney General has inaugurated an 11-member committee to implement constitutional reforms, aiming to present amendment bills to Parliament by November 2026. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-inaugurates-committee-to-reform-1992-constitution ### 2026-08-14: Ghana to hold constitutional amendment referendum in 2027 President John Dramani Mahama announced that Ghana will hold a national referendum on proposed constitutional amendments alongside the 2027 District Assembly elections. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-to-hold-constitutional-amendment-referendum-in-2027 ### 2026-08-10: Ghana government accepts major constitutional reforms Ghana's government has accepted key constitutional reforms, including extending presidential and parliamentary terms to five years and proposing changes to government size and candidate eligibility. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-government-accepts-major-constitutional-reforms ### 2026-07-31: Ghana Approves Extension of Presidential Term to Five Years Ghana’s government backs extending presidential and parliamentary terms to five years, lowers the presidential age limit to 35, and plans a 2027 referendum, amid opposition criticism. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-moves-to-extend-presidential-term-to-five-years-sets-2027-referendum ### 2026-07-30: Ghana moves to let dual citizens run for Parliament and hold key offices Ghana approves reforms allowing dual citizens to contest parliamentary seats and hold most senior offices, except the presidency, pending constitutional amendment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-moves-to-let-dual-citizens-run-for-parliament-and-hold-key-offices ### 2026-07-28: Ghana faces political risk as Supreme Court reviews presidential term limits NPP organiser Henry Nana Boakye warns Ghana's Supreme Court that reinterpreting Article 66 to allow more than two presidential terms could destabilise the country. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-faces-political-risk-as-supreme-court-reviews-presidential-term-limits --- Cite as: Ghana constitutional reform moves toward approval. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-constitutional-reform-debate