Eleanor Finch
Ghana's 1992 Constitution, also known as the Constitution of the Fourth Republic, was approved by 92% of the population in a referendum on 28 April 1992. The constitution was written to restore the country to a democratic system of governance, drawing on the lessons of previous constitutions, the British and US constitution models, and a public consultation process. It defines fundamental political principles, establishes the structure and procedures of the government, and outlines the rights and duties of citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date approved | 28 April 1992 |
| How it was approved | Through a national referendum with 92% support |
| Basis | Democratic principles established by the 1957, 1969, and 1979 Constitutions, as well as the British and US constitution models |
| Number of chapters | 26 |
| Purpose | To decentralise the government in Ghana, define fundamental political principles, establish the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of the government, and spell out the fundamental rights and duties of citizens |
| Power distribution | Shares powers among a president, a parliament, a cabinet, a Council of State, and an independent judiciary |
| Executive authority | Shared by the president, the 25-member Council of State, and advisory bodies like the National Security Council |
| President's role | Head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Ghana |
| Press freedom | Greater freedom of the press guaranteed |
| Human rights | Guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms for all citizens, including equality of economic opportunity and the right to justice, probity, and accountability |
| Gender equality | Ensures that rights apply to both male and female persons and provides for gender equality in citizenship acquisition through marriage |
| Chieftaincy | Guarantees the institution of chieftaincy and traditional councils as established by customary law |
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What You'll Learn
- The 1992 Constitution was approved by a national referendum
- It was based on democratic principles and previous constitutions
- It defines fundamental political principles and government structure
- It establishes the powers and duties of the government and citizens
- It guarantees freedom of the press and human rights
The 1992 Constitution was approved by a national referendum
Ghana's 1992 Constitution was approved by a national referendum on 28 April 1992, with 92% support. This was a significant milestone in the country's political history, as it marked a return to democracy after a period of instability and military rule. The 1992 Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic of Ghana and sets out the fundamental political principles, defining the structure and powers of the government, the judiciary, and the legislature, as well as the rights and duties of citizens.
The 1992 Constitution was shaped by the country's previous constitutions and democratic traditions. It built upon the democratic principles established by the 1957, 1969, and 1979 Constitutions, as well as the British and United States constitutional models. The process of drafting the 1992 Constitution involved a public consultation process, where the views of Ghanaians on the desired form of state were collected and analysed. This led to the appointment of a 258-member Committee of Experts, who submitted constitutional proposals to a Consultative Assembly.
The Consultative Assembly played a crucial role in drafting the constitution. They prepared a draft constitution based on the proposals submitted by the Committee of Experts, as well as the previous constitutions and the report of the Committee. This draft constitution was then presented to the people of Ghana for their approval in the referendum. The high level of support for the constitution in the referendum demonstrated a strong endorsement of the principles and provisions it contained.
The 1992 Constitution introduced several important provisions. It provided for greater freedom of the press and human rights guarantees, established a system of checks and balances to prevent any single branch of government from holding preponderant power, and reinforced a unitary government while allowing for local governments. It also established a similar executive branch to that of the United States, with the president being elected for four-year terms.
The approval of the 1992 Constitution by a national referendum was a pivotal moment in Ghana's journey towards democratic consolidation. It laid the foundation for the country's current Fourth Republic, with the first government being sworn in on 7 January 1993. The constitution has since undergone reviews and amendments to address any weaknesses and ensure it remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
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It was based on democratic principles and previous constitutions
Ghana's 1992 Constitution was approved by 92% of voters in a national referendum on 28 April 1992. It was written to establish the country as a democracy and to define the fundamental political principles, government structure, and the rights and duties of citizens.
The 1992 Constitution was based on democratic principles and previous constitutions. It drew on lessons from the previous constitutions of 1957, 1960, 1969, and 1979. The 1957 Constitution, which was promulgated when Ghana gained independence from British rule in 1956, established a Westminster system of government with a prime minister as head of cabinet and the British monarch as head of state. It also provided for the representation of chiefs and tribal authorities in regional councils and converted the legislative assembly to a national assembly.
The 1992 Constitution also drew on the British and United States constitution models. It provided for greater freedom of the press and human rights guarantees, and it established a similar executive branch to the US, with a president elected to four-year terms. The 1992 Constitution reinforced a unitary government while allowing for local governments.
The 1992 Constitution was also influenced by the democratic principles established in the 1969 and 1979 Constitutions. Ghana experienced an unstable political environment with several military takeovers between 1966 and 1981, despite the establishment of democratic administrations in 1969 and 1979. The 1992 Constitution aimed to restore the country to a stable democratic system of governance.
A 258-member Committee of Experts was appointed to draw up constitutional proposals for consideration by a Consultative Assembly. The Assembly then prepared a draft constitution based on the proposals submitted by the Committee, as well as previous constitutions and the report of the Committee of Experts. The final draft constitution was unanimously approved by the people in the 28 April 1992 referendum.
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It defines fundamental political principles and government structure
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana is the supreme law of the Republic of Ghana. It was approved on 28 April 1992 through a national referendum, with 92% support. The constitution defines the fundamental political principles and establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of the government, the structure of the judiciary and legislature, and the fundamental rights and duties of citizens. It is made up of 26 chapters, not including the preamble.
The 1992 Constitution was based on the democratic principles established by the 1957, 1969, and 1979 Constitutions, as well as the British and United States constitution models. It also incorporated proposals from a 258-member Committee of Experts, which were approved by the Consultative Assembly. The constitution provides for the sharing of powers among a president, a parliament, a cabinet, a Council of State, and an independent judiciary.
The executive authority is shared by the president, the 25-member Council of State, and advisory bodies, including the National Security Council. The president is the head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The judiciary is independent of all other branches of government, with the Supreme Court at the top of the hierarchy, followed by the Court of Appeal, the High Court of Justice, regional tribunals, and lower courts established by parliament.
The 1992 Constitution guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms, including equality of economic opportunity for all citizens, and the full integration of women into the country's economic development. It also establishes the principles of Universal Adult Suffrage, Freedom, Justice, Probity, and Accountability. The constitution ensures that the rights and freedoms outlined are respected and upheld by all branches of the government and are enforceable by the courts.
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It establishes the powers and duties of the government and citizens
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana, also known as the Constitution of the Fourth Republic, was approved by 92% of the population in a referendum on 28 April 1992. It was promulgated in January 1993, and the first government under this constitution was sworn in on 7 January 1993. The constitution was designed to restore the country to a democratic system of governance, drawing on the lessons from the previous 1957, 1960, 1969 and 1979 constitutions, as well as the British and US constitution models.
The 1992 Constitution establishes the powers and duties of the government and citizens of Ghana. It defines the fundamental political principles and establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of the government, the structure of the judiciary and legislature, and the fundamental rights and duties of citizens. The constitution is made up of 26 chapters, not including the preamble.
The 1992 Constitution provides for the sharing of powers among a president, a parliament, a cabinet, a Council of State, and an independent judiciary. It establishes a system of checks and balances to avoid bestowing too much power on any specific branch of government. The executive authority is shared by the president, the 25-member Council of State, and advisory bodies, including the National Security Council. The president is the head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The judiciary is independent of all other branches of government, with the Supreme Court at the top of the hierarchy. The courts have broad powers of judicial review and can rule on the constitutionality of any legislative or executive action at the request of citizens.
The constitution also guarantees the fundamental human rights and freedoms of citizens, including equality of economic opportunity for all, and the protection of cultural practices. It ensures the rights of women, providing for their full integration into the economic development of the country, and establishes the principle of universal adult suffrage.
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It guarantees freedom of the press and human rights
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana was approved on 28 April 1992 through a national referendum, with 92% support. It was designed to establish the fundamental political principles of Ghana, including the structure, procedures, powers and duties of the government, the structure of the judiciary and legislature, and the fundamental rights and duties of citizens.
The 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of the press and human rights. It ensures freedom and independence of the media for mass communication and information. It also ensures that there is no censorship in Ghana and that there are no impediments to the establishment of a private press or media. Editors and publishers of newspapers and other mass media institutions are free from government control and interference. They cannot be penalised or harassed for their editorial opinions, views, or content. All media agencies are free to uphold the principles, provisions, and objectives of the Constitution and shall uphold the government's responsibility and accountability to the people of Ghana.
The Constitution also guarantees freedom of expression, speech, opinion, thought, conscience, belief, and religion. It includes academic freedom and the freedom to assemble, form or join trade unions or other associations, and the freedom of movement. It also establishes the right to information and the right to form political parties.
The 1992 Constitution provides for the sharing of powers among a president, a parliament, a cabinet, a Council of State, and an independent judiciary. It establishes a system of checks and balances to avoid bestowing too much power on any specific branch of the government. The executive authority is shared by the president, the Council of State, and advisory bodies, including the National Security Council. The president is the head of state, head of government, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The Constitution also guarantees the institution of chieftaincy, together with traditional councils as established by customary law and usage. It ensures the protection and preservation of fundamental human rights and freedoms, unity, and stability for the nation. It establishes that the sovereignty of Ghana resides in the people of Ghana, in whose name and for whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised within the limits laid down in the Constitution.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution of Ghana is the supreme law of the Republic of Ghana.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana was approved on 28 April 1992 through a national referendum.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana was approved by 92% of the population.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana consists of 26 chapters, not including the preamble.
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana defines the fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of the government, the structure of the judiciary and legislature, and spells out the fundamental rights and duties of citizens.
