Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has clarified the roadmap for Ghana’s constitutional review, stressing that the process will not result in a w
Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has clarified the roadmap for Ghana’s constitutional review, stressing that the process will not result in a white paper.
Addressing journalists after a Thanksgiving Service organised by the Presidency to mark one year since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office, the Tamale South MP said there was widespread misunderstanding about the nature of the ongoing constitutional review.
According to him, the review being undertaken under the leadership of Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh is fundamentally different from constitutional review processes established under Article 278 of the 1992 Constitution.
He explained that, unlike the Article 278 process initiated by former President J.E.A. Mills, the current exercise does not require the issuance of a white paper.
“Many people, including sections of the media, are still at a loss about the constitutional review process,” Mr Iddrisu said. “The review set up under the Prempeh Committee is not the same as a constitutional review established under Article 278 of the Constitution.”
He disclosed that a team of experienced lawyers is currently scrutinising the committee’s report, which was submitted to President Mahama in December. He noted that this legal review is intended to ensure accuracy and constitutional soundness before the process moves to the next stage.
After the legal assessment, Mr Iddrisu said the report will be subjected to engagement at multiple levels, including Cabinet consideration, consultations within political parties, and broader public discussions.
“What is acceptable will be declared and made known to the public after these engagements,” he explained.
The Education Minister also referenced President Mahama’s announcement of plans to establish a constitutional review implementation committee. He said this body will be responsible for guiding the process through both entrenched and non-entrenched constitutional provisions, in line with the requirements of the law.
“So those who expected a white paper have got it very wrong,” Mr Iddrisu stressed. “This process was not established within the true meaning of Article 278, and therefore no white paper will be issued.”
In January last year, President Mahama constituted an eight-member committee chaired by Professor Prempeh, the Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, to work on proposals for reviewing the 1992 Constitution.
Other members included former Supreme Court Judge Justice Sophia Adinyira, Professor Kwame Karikari, former Electoral Commission Chair Charlotte Osei, Dr Godwin Djokoto, Ibrahim Tanko Amidu, Dr Esi Ansah, and Dr Rainer Akumperigeya.
The committee submitted its final report in December.
Mr Iddrisu said 2026 will be a key governance year for President Mahama, adding that beyond economic stability, the administration is focused on driving growth, transformation, and institutional reforms through the constitutional review process.
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