The Swiss Ambassador to Ghana H.E. Simone Petra Giger has called for a fundamental review of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, describing it as a transitional document that has served the country well but is now ready for significant reform.
Speaking to MX24 News, the ambassador acknowledged that the Constitution played a critical role in guiding Ghana’s return to democratic rule.
However, she believes the country has reached a stage where a comprehensive review of the Constitution is necessary.
“It was a transitional constitution, right? So I think it did serve you well up to a certain point. And if you remember the historical context, I think it also really allowed Ghana to transition to democracy. But from the very beginning, I talked to some of the people who actually drafted the 1992 constitution. This constitution is, I think, really ready to be fundamentally revised,” she stated.
According to her, one of the most important areas that should be considered in any constitutional review process is decentralization.
She argued that governance and decision-making should be closer to local communities, especially given Ghana’s regional diversity.
“What I believe is absolutely essential is a proper decentralization. We talked a lot now in the interview about how Ghana is a very diverse place. You have different regions. Every region is different,” she said.
The ambassador questioned why decisions affecting communities in distant parts of the country should be made in the national capital.
“I do believe it doesn’t make sense that decisions that affect Paga in the very north should be taken in Accra. It doesn’t make sense. People here maybe have not even traveled there. They have absolutely no idea,” she noted.
H.E. Giger suggested that Ghana could strengthen its decentralization system by allowing citizens to directly elect their local leaders.
“Having elections of mayors, district and municipal executives, like people can elect their own leaders, but then also fiscal decentralization, meaning at the local level people have their own money, they can manage it, they set their own priorities and decide where they want to invest their money,” she explained.
The ambassador also raised concerns about the extensive powers of the presidency under the current constitutional arrangement. She suggested that some of these roles could instead be handled by career public servants in order to reduce political influence within state institutions.
“You know, right now the powers and authorities of the president are extremely vast. Every president that comes to power can make thousands of appointments. Why should that be the case? A lot of these positions, they could just be civil servants. I would really try to depoliticize the system entirely,” she added.
According to her, reforms aimed at strengthening decentralization and reducing excessive political appointments would represent a significant step in strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.
