YADD Ghana Urges Constitutional Reforms to Deepen Democracy and Safeguard Ghana’s Future
The Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD) Ghana, a youth-led civil society organization, has joined the growing chorus of voices calling for urgent constitutional reforms in Ghana. The group believes that a thorough review of the 1992 Constitution is crucial to strengthening the country’s democratic framework and aligning it with modern societal realities.
Addressing the media in an engagement held earlier this week, the Executive Director of YADD Ghana, Mr. James Kofi Martey, emphasized that constitutional reform must not be viewed as a political maneuver, but rather as a collective national effort to redefine the future of the country beyond party lines.
“Our call for constitutional reforms is not borne out of partisanship, but patriotism. It’s about crafting a Constitution that reflects the current needs and aspirations of Ghanaians—not just for today, but for tomorrow,” Mr. Martey stated.
He further urged Ghanaians from all political and socio-economic backgrounds to rally behind the call for a review of the 1992 Constitution. According to him, the existing framework has served the country well over the years, but evolving societal dynamics demand a re-evaluation of certain provisions to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability.
“We gather today at a pivotal moment—our beloved Constitution, crafted in 1992, has served us well. But as society evolves, so too must our foundational laws. A constitutional review is not about instability—it’s about renewal, resilience, and relevance,” he said.
Mr. Martey stressed that Ghana’s democratic journey is at a crossroads and that bold decisions must be taken to ensure the nation continues on a path of integrity, equity, and progress.
“Democracy is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey. We must view constitutional reform as a way of reaffirming our commitment to democratic governance and national development,” he noted.
YADD Ghana’s advocacy aligns with the sentiments expressed by various legal experts, political actors, and civil society groups who have long argued that portions of the 1992 Constitution—particularly those related to executive powers, decentralization, and checks and balances—require urgent revision.
The group concluded its media engagement with a call to government, Parliament, and key stakeholders to initiate a broad-based, non-partisan national dialogue to commence the constitutional review process.
“We must seize this moment not to entrench divisions, but to build consensus. Ghana deserves a Constitution that truly represents the will, hope, and future of its people,” Mr. Martey affirmed.
The Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD) Ghana continues to play an active role in promoting good governance, youth participation, and democratic reforms across the country.
