The Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) has recommended a sweeping constitutional reform that would bar Members of Parliament (MPs) from being appointed as Ministers of State, Deputy Ministers, or Regional Ministers.
The proposal, submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to strengthen parliamentary independence and enhance accountability within the country’s governance system.
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According to the CRC, the amendment to Article 78(1) is essential to end the long-criticised overlap between the Executive and Legislature. The Commission argued that the current arrangement weakens Parliament’s oversight role, as MPs appointed to ministerial positions often face divided loyalty between serving constituents and defending government policies.
“No member of Parliament may be appointed a Minister of State or a Deputy Minister or Regional Minister,” the CRC stated, noting that even MPs who resign their seats should remain ineligible for ministerial appointment during the term of Parliament in which they were elected.
Government size
Beyond restricting MPs from ministerial roles, the Commission also recommended a constitutional amendment to cap the total number of ministers to ensure a leaner and more efficient government structure.
Under proposed changes to Article 78(2), the number of ministers, including deputies and regional ministers, should not exceed 57, aligning with the constitutional ceiling of 19 cabinet ministers under Article 76(1).
The Commission also recommended abolishing the position of Deputy Regional Ministers, arguing that the role is no longer necessary in a modern, efficient public administration.
Parliamentary oversight
In another bold reform, the CRC proposed amendments to Article 82(5) to make it mandatory for the President to revoke the appointment of any minister censured by Parliament. Additionally, any minister dismissed through a censure vote would be barred from reappointment during the remainder of the government’s term.
The Commission believes these reforms will deepen democratic governance, reinforce checks and balances, and restore public confidence in state institutions.
The CRC’s recommendations have already sparked widespread national discussion, particularly among governance experts, civil society organisations, and political commentators. Many see the proposals as a decisive step toward reducing executive dominance and strengthening institutional independence in Ghana.
The final decision now rests with the President, Parliament, and the constitutional amendment process.