CRC Recommends No Minister Should Be Selected from Parliament

The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) has recommended that no member of Parliament (MP) should be appointed as a Minister of State, Deputy Minister, or Regional Minister, a move aimed at strengthening the separation of powers and enhancing government accountability. These recommendations were included in the final report submitted to President John Dramani Mahama, which also proposes reforms on presidential qualifications, taxes, emoluments, and post-office accountability.

Under the proposed amendment to Article 78(1), MPs would be barred from holding ministerial positions. In addition, any MP who resigns from Parliament would remain ineligible for ministerial appointment during the term for which they were elected. The Committee argues that these measures will reduce conflicts of interest and prevent executive overreach in Parliament.

The CRC also recommended limits on the total number of ministers. Under the proposed amendment to Article 78(2), the total number of Ministers of State—including Deputy Ministers and Regional Ministers—shall not exceed three times the number of Cabinet ministers. Given the Cabinet ceiling of 19 members, the total ministerial corps would be capped at 57. The report further recommends that the President no longer appoint Deputy Regional Ministers. Any request to exceed this ceiling would require a written justification and prior approval from Parliament by a simple majority.

Another significant recommendation concerns parliamentary censure of ministers. The Committee proposes amending Article 82(5) to require the President to revoke the appointment of any minister censured by Parliament. Furthermore, a minister removed under this provision would be ineligible for re-appointment during the remainder of the President’s or Parliament’s term. This measure is aimed at ensuring ministerial accountability and strengthening parliamentary oversight.

Experts say that, if enacted, these reforms could reshape Ghana’s governance system by limiting political patronage, promoting efficiency, and reinforcing the separation of powers. By restricting MPs from simultaneously serving in executive roles, the CRC aims to foster a more independent legislature and accountable executive.

President Mahama is expected to review the Committee’s final report and determine the next steps, which may include parliamentary debate or a national referendum on the proposed amendments. Analysts predict that the ministerial reforms, particularly the ban on MPs serving as ministers, could generate significant political debate.

 

 

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