HARARE — A Zimbabwean political analyst says Ghana’s proposed constitutional reforms bear similarities to Zimbabwe’s recently enacted Constitutional Amendment No. 3, arguing that both reflect a broader African debate over balancing governance, accountability and institutional reform.
In a statement Tuesday, Dr. Abigale Mupambi said Ghana’s constitutional review process had attracted continental attention after the government of President John Dramani Mahama accepted recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee, including a proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years while retaining the two-term limit.
Mupambi described Ghana as “one of Africa’s most stable democracies,” saying the proposed changes should be viewed as “constitutional evolution, not a break from democracy.”
She said the recommendations also seek to strengthen oversight through a clearer separation of powers between the executive and legislature, while promoting decentralisation and greater institutional independence to improve transparency and accountability.
“A five-year term could allow better policy continuity for long-term development,” Mupambi said. “However, any change to executive authority must be balanced with accountability, judicial independence, and parliamentary oversight.”
She noted that Ghana’s constitutional amendment process remains among Africa’s strictest, requiring parliamentary approval and presidential assent for non-entrenched provisions, while entrenched provisions require a referendum with at least 40% voter turnout and 75% approval.
Drawing comparisons with Zimbabwe, Mupambi said the debate echoed Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which changed aspects of the country’s constitutional framework, including extending some electoral cycles, introducing a new presidential voting system, altering the composition of the Senate by adding 10 senators and redefining the appointment of the Prosecutor General.
“While scope and procedures differ, both reflect Africa’s broader question: How do we recalibrate governance to balance accountability, stability, and service delivery?” she said.
Mupambi said constitutional reform should be driven by dialogue, stakeholder consultation, the rule of law and due process rather than political expediency.
“Reform succeeds when it strengthens institutions, protects rights, enhances accountability, and reflects citizens’ aspirations and needs — not those of any single administration,” she said.
She called for inclusive national dialogue in Ghana, saying Africa’s democratic future would be shaped “not by tenure length, but by strong institutions, credible processes, and governance that responds to people’s needs and earns public trust.”
Mupambi also said Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment No. 3 was enacted following what she described as a consultative and parliamentary process under Section 328 of the Constitution and is now law, adding that further work is needed on alignment, civic education and implementation.
