George Jahraa Calls Ghana’s 1992 Constitution a ‘Constitutional Dictatorship,’ Urges Reform

Veteran singer George Jahraa has made a bold statement regarding Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, describing it as a “constitutional dictatorship.”

Jahraa’s comments have sparked fresh debate about the nature of the country’s governance structure and the need for constitutional reforms.

“A soldier drafted our Constitution, so I see it as a constitutional dictatorship. It gives free will to whoever is president,” Jahraa remarked during the interview on Adom FM, referring to the origins of the 1992 Constitution, which was established under the leadership of the late Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, a former military ruler who transitioned into democratic leadership.

Jahraa’s critique of the Constitution stems from what he perceives as an imbalance of power, where too much authority is vested in the hands of the executive, particularly the president.

“It’s more like free will,” he added, suggesting that the current constitutional framework allows for unchecked presidential powers that can undermine the democratic process. According to Jahraa, this concentration of authority creates a system where the president operates with little restraint, leading to potential abuses of power.

His call for amendments to the Constitution was clear and urgent. Jahraa emphasized the need for stronger checks and balances to prevent any president from overreaching or governing without accountability.

“We need to amend it to ensure more checks and balances,” he stated. In his view, the Constitution, in its current form, does not provide enough safeguards to limit the executive’s power, leaving the country vulnerable to the whims of its leaders.

Jahraa’s comments are significant, especially in a political climate where discussions about the reform of the 1992 Constitution have been ongoing.

Over the years, various legal and political experts have raised concerns about aspects of the Constitution, particularly the extensive powers granted to the president, including the ability to appoint key figures in the judiciary, military, and civil service.

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