The Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by Professor Kwesi Prempeh, has proposed reforms aimed at protecting Ghana’s public sector from partisan politics and improving oversight of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The measures, presented to President John Mahama at the Jubilee House, are designed to enhance governance, strengthen accountability, and reduce fiscal and operational risks in key sectors of the economy.
Speaking on the need to separate party interests from state operations, Prempeh stressed the importance of insulating public institutions from political influence. “We need to erect walls around the state so those in public service are not representing party interests,” he said, highlighting that appointment processes in SOEs should prioritize competence and merit over political affiliation.
The committee also recommended embedding a SIGA-like body into the Constitution to oversee state enterprises. “Recommendations include changes to appointment processes for state-owned enterprises and introducing a SIGA-like commission into the Constitution,” He explained. The commission would provide regulatory oversight, monitor operations, and ensure that commercially oriented public entities are managed transparently and efficiently.
Addressing the broader economic impact of state enterprises, Prempeh noted: “Public operations of a commercial nature impact the economy significantly; we propose bringing them under constitutional oversight.” The proposed State Enterprises Commission would mitigate financial exposure, enforce governance standards, and limit systemic risks associated with state-owned commercial activities.
The reforms are expected to strengthen institutional independence, improve operational transparency, and create a more predictable environment for public and private sector interactions. The Chairman emphasized that the measures would not only prevent politicization of public institutions but also ensure that SOEs contribute effectively to national development while adhering to international best practices.
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has voiced public concerns over the partisan nature of Ghana’s civil service, highlighting the need for reform. “We say the civil service is neutral, but it is not true. If you listen to and read papers from very high-ranking officials, when it comes to the civil service, they are partisan. They help the government in power,” Kpebu said, stressing that the reforms could address long-standing issues of political interference in public institutions.
Public debate around the proposals reflects widespread recognition that politicization of the civil service and SOEs has undermined efficiency, accountability, and public trust. The reforms could provide a more stable framework for appointments, operational transparency, and governance, potentially reducing political influence in decision-making while ensuring that public institutions contribute effectively to national development.
