At a landmark book launch in Accra, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, renewed his call for Ghana to embark on a bold constitutional reform process, describing it as essential for advancing governance and enhancing the effectiveness of public administration.
The occasion was the unveiling of a new publication designed to demystify parliamentary language and procedures for the public. The book, lauded as a bridge between Parliament and citizens, aims to make legislative terms and practices more accessible and transparent, strengthening civic literacy and deepening democratic engagement.
Addressing an audience of academics, legal practitioners, legislators, and civil society members, Speaker Bagbin did not mince words about the urgent need for change. He drew attention to the pivotal—but often underappreciated—role of subsidiary legislation in national governance. These regulations, he explained, shape the frameworks that guide daily life and influence the efficiency of public administration.
However, Bagbin cautioned that the promise of effective subsidiary legislation is sometimes undermined by the rigid and detailed nature of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. While acknowledging the Constitution’s service to the nation over three decades, he noted that its prescriptive character can limit the flexibility required to meet the complex challenges of the modern era.
“The complexities of subsidiary legislation demand a constitutional environment that is adaptable and responsive,” Bagbin said. “Unfortunately, our current constitutional architecture, due to its rigid and detailed prescriptions, can be constricting.”
He therefore called for a comprehensive constitutional rewrite—one that would reflect contemporary realities, strengthen democratic institutions, and encourage innovation in governance. Such reform, he emphasized, must be approached with broad national consensus and thoughtful deliberation to ensure it meets the aspirations of all Ghanaians.
The launch drew widespread commendation as a timely effort to promote understanding and participation in parliamentary democracy. As the guests celebrated the new book, Speaker Bagbin’s
words set the tone for a national conversation about constitutional change, reminding all present that a forward-looking legal framework is vital for Ghana to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
