PPP proposes reforms on decentralisation, accountability

The Progressive People's Party (PPP) has proposed some key areas for constitutional amendment to strengthen the country’s democracy and promote good governance. 

These include election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and district assembly members through universal adult suffrage and the allocation of at least 30 per cent of consolidated funds to district assemblies without executive interference.

Others are the separation of the legislature and executive branch that will require Members of Parliament (MPs) who become ministers to relinquish their seats in Parliament, the separation of the Office of the Attorney-General from the Minister of Justice and insulate it from executive influence, implement a transparent and verifiable assets declaration regime as well as ensure full participation of Ghanaians in the diaspora in the political process.

The PPP made the proposals for the constitutional amendment in a statement signed and issued by the party’s Director of Policy, Kofi Asamoah-Siaw.

Commitment

It expressed its commitment to collaborate with the CRC to reform the country’s Constitution as part of the President’s agenda to reset the nation.

“The PPP has been consistent, supportive and remains committed to the constitutional review process in Ghana.

We have made many representations in the past and look forward to engaging the Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh-led Constitution Review Committee to share and discuss our proposals for constitutional reforms,” the statement said.

The party said the setting up of the committee within some few weeks after President Mahama took office attested to his genuine commitment to the constitutional review process, adding that the committee’s membership demonstrated his desire to “engage persons of proven expertise and dedication to the service of the nation and commitment to good governance, to manage the process.”

The party also recalled with commendation the President’s invitation to members of Coalition of Election of MMDCEs (led by the PPP), to the Presidency, in August 2013, to discuss the group’s petition to the President to support the election of MMDCEs.