The Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III is calling for the review and amendments of significant reforms in Ghana’s constitution to prevent any future military intervention in the country’s politics.
Speaking on GHOne TV with Lily Mohammed, he emphasized that the 4th Republican Constitution, which Ghana adopted after its return to democratic rule in 1992, should be the country’s last constitution.
While he acknowledged that amendments, additions, and subtractions may be necessary over time, he firmly stated that there should be no room for the overthrow of a government through military means.
Nana Obodade III highlighted the fact that Ghana has experienced a total of nine coup d’états since gaining independence, there is the need to ensure that such events never occur again.
He pointed out that while the current constitution includes penalties for those who fail in their attempt to overthrow a government, it does not provide sufficient deterrence for anyone contemplating a coup in the first place.
The Krontihene added that the constitution should explicitly state that military takeovers should never be considered an option for assuming power.
“Talking about constitutional review, one of the things we as Ghanaians need to start discussing is the issue of military intervention in our body politics. We’ve had about 9 coup d’états so far. We have experienced it, it hasn’t been the best, and we have chosen the way of democracy.”
“We should have it emboldened in the constitution that nobody will find it imaginable to throw the barrel of a gun to assume office as president,” he argued.
“There should be no other constitution after the 4th Republican Constitution. We can have amendments, subtractions, and additions, but there should be no room for the overthrow of the government”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Deborah Amuzu
