“President Akufo-Addo Asserts That No Country Has a Perfect Constitution”

President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the ongoing public debate over the need to review Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, emphasizing that, while it has its flaws, any efforts to amend it should be approached cautiously. In his final State of the Nation Address on January 3, the outgoing President stated, “There is no perfect constitution anywhere in the world,” while reflecting on the 32 years of the Constitution’s operation in the Fourth Republic.

President Akufo-Addo, in his final State of the Nation Address on January 3, acknowledged the shortcomings of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution but emphasized its significant contributions to the country’s democratic stability.

He noted that, despite its flaws, the Constitution has provided the foundation for the longest period of uninterrupted, stable, and constitutional democratic governance in Ghana’s history.

He further explained that no constitution can eliminate all the challenges and frustrations that arise within the democratic process, as it is not designed to meet the demands of those who are inherently opposed to the principles of democracy. The President underscored that, while the Constitution is not perfect, it has served the nation well by ensuring a stable framework for governance over the past 32 years.

He advised that the nation should adhere to the wisdom of the Latin phrase “festina lente,” which translates to “hasten slowly,” suggesting that any review of the Constitution should be approached with careful consideration and deliberation.

He disclosed that the proposals from the Constitution Review Committee would be handed over to the President-elect. “I will forward the document, prepared and submitted to me by the Constitution Review Consultative Committee, along with the concerns and suggestions raised, to the President-elect for his consideration as he prepares to assume leadership responsibilities,” he stated.