The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) has proposed strict limits on the powers of an outgoing president and government during the transition period between a presidential election and the swearing-in of a new administration.
Presenting the committee’s final report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, December 22, the Chair, Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, said the recommendations seek to prevent last-minute decisions that could bind an incoming government and undermine accountability.
Under the proposal, the CRC wants a new provision introduced into Chapter Eight of the Constitution to restrict key actions during the transition window.
Prof. Prempeh explained that during this period, “no appointment or nomination or offer of employment to a public office may be made or extended to any person, the term of which would extend into the next administration.”
The committee also recommends that no new contracts, commitments, or salary and wage increases be granted unless they are already approved under the current year’s budget. In addition, transactions involving the sale, purchase, or leasing of public lands or assets would be prohibited.
Another key proposal is to block the introduction of bills under a certificate of urgency during the transition period, a practice the committee believes has been abused in the past.
According to Prof. Prempeh, any action taken in breach of these restrictions would be invalid.
“Any action taken or purported to be taken… in violation of any of the above provisions shall be deemed to be void and would impose no obligation on the State,” he stated.
The CRC says the proposed reforms are aimed at protecting the public interest, promoting orderly transitions, and preventing outgoing administrations from making far-reaching decisions that affect future governments.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
