Former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei has opened up on the intense challenges, bold decisions, and historic successes that defined the work of Ghana’s Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), describing the process as both demanding and deeply transformative.
Speaking candidly, Charlotte Osei revealed that the task of reviewing Ghana’s 1992 Constitution was far from smooth, marked by political pressure, public resistance, and high national expectations—but ultimately driven by a shared commitment to strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
A Tough Assignment Under the National Spotlight
According to her, the Committee operated under constant scrutiny, with every recommendation closely watched by politicians, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens alike. Balancing diverse and often conflicting views, she noted, was one of the biggest hurdles.
“Constitutional reform touches power, privilege, and the future of governance,” she reflected, adding that consensus-building required patience, resilience, and courage.
Public Engagement at the Heart of the Process
Despite the challenges, Charlotte Osei highlighted the Committee’s nationwide consultations as one of its greatest achievements. The CRC engaged citizens across regions, gathering views from traditional leaders, youth groups, professionals, and marginalized communities.
These interactions, she said, ensured that the review process was not elite-driven but grounded in the lived realities of Ghanaians.
Successes That Strengthened Democracy
Among the Committee’s key successes, Osei pointed to recommendations aimed at improving checks and balances, enhancing accountability, and clarifying ambiguities within the Constitution that have long generated controversy.
She emphasized that even where reforms were not immediately implemented, the CRC laid a critical foundation for future democratic growth.
Resistance, Politics, and Hard Choices
Charlotte Osei acknowledged that some proposals met stiff opposition, particularly those perceived to threaten entrenched political interests. Navigating partisan tensions, she said, tested the independence and resolve of the Committee.
Still, she maintained that the CRC remained guided by principle rather than politics.
A Call to Protect and Advance the Constitution
Reflecting on the journey, Osei urged Ghanaians and political leaders not to abandon the reform conversation. Constitutions, she noted, are living documents that must evolve to reflect changing national realities.
“The work is never truly finished,” she said. “Democracy demands continuous reflection and renewal.”
Looking Ahead
As Ghana continues to grapple with governance challenges and constitutional debates, Charlotte Osei’s reflections serve as a reminder of the difficult but necessary work behind democratic reform—and the sacrifices required to safeguard the rule of law.
The legacy of the Constitutional Review Committee, she insists, is not just in its reports, but in the national conversation it ignited.
