Law Students’ Network warns of conflict of interest in Ghana’s constitutional review

The Law Students’ Network (LSN) cautioned that Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review could create an institutional conflict of interest, noting that the executive branch continues to hold substantial authority over decisions on proposed reforms that may curtail its own powers.

In a paper presented at a recent meeting, the network acknowledged that the government is entitled to assess the committee’s advisory proposals, but warned that the retained executive control could undermine the independence of the review process.

Government reforms welcomed

Despite its concerns, LSN welcomed the government’s acceptance of several reforms, including the establishment of an Independent Public Emoluments Commission, the abolition of the death penalty and measures intended to strengthen the independence of certain public institutions.

The network stressed that while the advisory nature of the committee’s report permits government assessment, the concentration of decision‑making power in the executive raises questions about the balance of authority in the constitutional amendment process.

The constitutional review remains ongoing as the government evaluates the committee’s recommendations.