Expert Criticizes President Akufo-Addo for Failing to Address Constitutional Lapses in State of the Nation Address

Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, a governance expert and former United Nations governance advisor, has criticized President Akufo-Addo for not addressing the shortcomings of Ghana's 1992 constitution in his recent State of the Nation Address.

Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, a governance expert and former United Nations governance advisor, has criticized President Akufo-Addo for not addressing the shortcomings of Ghana’s 1992 constitution in his recent State of the Nation Address.

According to Prof Agyeman-Duah, President Akufo-Addo appeared content with the existing status quo, particularly regarding the considerable power wielded by the executive branch under the constitution.

Expressing his disappointment, Prof Agyeman-Duah suggested that the President missed an opportunity to highlight some of the deficiencies within the constitution, especially given his tenure of seven years in office.

Reacting to President Akufo-Addo’s assertion that “the buck stops with the president,” Prof Agyeman-Duah criticized it as an oversimplification of the challenges faced by Ghanaians.

He emphasized that while the President addressed the judiciary and the legislature, he overlooked adequately discussing the issues surrounding the executive branch, which is responsible for many of the country’s challenges.

Moreover, Prof Agyeman-Duah disagreed with President Akufo-Addo’s stance that the current constitution should remain unchanged, highlighting the need for reforms to address its limitations.

He urged the President to acknowledge the serious problems within the constitution and make recommendations for reforms, especially as he prepares to leave office.

In contrast to President Akufo-Addo’s optimistic portrayal of the country’s state, the Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, expressed disagreement, stating that Ghanaians are not content with the current situation.

The remarks by Prof Agyeman-Duah underscore the need for critical examination and potential reform of Ghana’s constitution to address systemic issues and better serve the needs of its citizens.