The Constitution Review Committee has proposed a complete overhaul of how key public officials are appointed, alongside new rules governing elections and presidential transitions.

The report introduces a four-tier classification of public offices, executive, independent, hybrid-independent and hybrid-executive, each with tailored appointment procedures designed to limit excessive presidential discretion.

For independent constitutional offices such as the Electoral Commission, Auditor-General and Chief Justice, the committee recommends binding the president to nominations from reformed bodies like the Council of State or Judicial Council, following competitive and merit-based selection processes.

If adopted, the proposal would overturn the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling that allowed presidents to disregard advice from constitutionally mandated bodies.

To further insulate these offices, the committee proposed fixed terms that are not co-terminus with a president’s tenure, mandatory filling of vacancies within 90 days, and a ban on interim appointments made outside prescribed procedures.

On elections, the committee recommended shifting presidential polls to the first week of November, extending the transition period to two months. It also proposed stricter timelines for presidential election petitions, requiring the Supreme Court to conclude cases within 30 days.

The report further introduces restrictions on presidential powers during the post-election transition period, barring last-minute appointments, major contracts, asset sales and urgent legislation. Any action taken in violation of these limits would be deemed void.

The Constitution Review Committee has proposed sweeping changes to presidential immunity, recommending that former presidents be held legally accountable for actions taken in their personal capacity before or during their time in office.

In its final report presented to President John Dramani Mahama, the committee proposed amendments to Article 57(6) to allow civil proceedings against a former president at any time after leaving office, subject only to applicable limitation laws. Criminal proceedings, under the proposal, could also be initiated within four years after a president exits office.

The committee said the recommendation strikes a balance between protecting the functioning of the presidency and ensuring accountability, particularly where alleged wrongdoing does not relate to official state duties.

Beyond post-office accountability, the committee addressed presidential succession and continuity. It recommended retaining the Vice-President as the automatic successor in the event of a vacancy, rejecting calls to introduce a constitutionally defined Prime Minister.

According to the committee, assigning independent executive authority to a Vice-President would risk “turf battles” at the apex of government, while the current constitutional framework already allows a president to delegate coordinating functions to any cabinet member if needed.

The report also proposes that the physical absence of both the President and Vice-President from Ghana should no longer be grounds for declaring them unable to perform presidential functions, effectively overturning earlier judicial interpretation.

A member of Parliament for Akim Swedru in the Eastern Region, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, has questioned the need for an extension of the term for a president.

According to him, a president in Ghana does not need an extended tenure to perform and cause the needed change.

He backs his claim with the tenure of American presidents who have developed their democracy, with presidents having a four-year tenure.

In a social media post, he said, “When a man is greedy and can’t function outside governmental power, a term of 10 years won’t satisfy him

How did America develop its democracy using the undeviating 4-year term for the past 200 years

Bad leaders are just lawbreakers, period”.

Kennedy Osei Nyarko’s position comes after the constitutional amendment committee recommended that the tenure of a president in Ghana be extended to five years.

This proposal has been rejected by political analysts who believe that the four-year term is the best for the country’s democracy.

President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has assured the people of Ghana of his commitment to positioning Ghana on the path of inclusive growth, job creation, and accountability.

He says he and his government are working tirelessly to revive the country’s economy, complete stalled projects, and expand the country’s infrastructure.

The President, who made this known in his Christmas message to the people of Ghana, said he will continue to ensure that Ghana works for every citizen.

He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to draw inspiration from the hope Christmas brings.

President John Dramani Mahama has recounted how heightened security during his presidency transformed the atmosphere of Chain Homes, drawing humour from what he described as an intimidating but temporary arrangement.

Speaking to residents, Mahama said security protocols changed abruptly after he assumed office.

“Soldiers came and said now that you are commander-in-chief, we have to take over your security,” he recalled.

He said armoured vehicles were deployed around his residence, altering the character of the neighbourhood.

“Before I knew it, they brought armoured cars here, armoured cars there,” he said. “The place looked very intimidating.”

Mahama said he apologised to neighbours for the inconvenience, assuring them the arrangement would not be permanent.

“I said please bear with me. It’s just for four years,” he told the gathering.

One neighbour, however, had a different reaction.

“He said the armoured cars are not enough. Let them bring more,” Mahama said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The president used the anecdote to underscore the unusual adjustments public office sometimes imposes on private community life.

Fantan Mojah has described his presence in Ghana as more than a performance visit, calling it a spiritual homecoming shaped by decades of musical connection with Africa.

Speaking on Urban Blend on 3FM with Blakk Rasta monitored by MyNewsGh, the Jamaican reggae singer said the continent has always embraced his music long before industry validation caught up.

“This is not my first time in Africa. I’ve been to Gambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi,” he said. “Zimbabwe was one of the biggest crowds I ever stand before. Three hours straight on stage. Africa understand this music.”

Now in Ghana for Stonebwoy’s annual Bhim Festival, Fantan Mojah said the invitation represents a full-circle moment built on respect and shared roots.

“People always tell me Stonebwoy grow up on my music,” he said. “So when one of my fans become an artist and bring me in place, you give thanks for that. Music have no boundary.”

He compared Ghana’s energy to Jamaica’s cultural spirit, saying the familiarity struck him immediately on arrival.

“When I reach the airport and see the whole setting, I say, ‘Big Jamaica me deh.’ The people warm. The spirit real.”

Fantan Mojah also pushed back against the idea that African audiences are passive consumers of reggae.

“Africa don’t just listen. Africa feel this music. Upliftment music can’t be stopped.”

With Bhim Festival set for December 24 at the Accra Sports Stadium, Mojah said Ghana should expect a spiritually charged performance.

“When I go on stage, most times I don’t even know what I will do,” he said. “The spirit take over. That is what Africa brings out of me.”

Fantan Mojah has defended his artistic choice to mix conscious reggae with softer dancehall elements, saying the criticism misunderstands both culture and audience reality.

The reggae singer rejected claims that featuring women and dance-oriented songs weakened his Rastafarian message.

“Look at it this way,” Mojah said During his interview with Blakk Rasta on 3FM monitored by MyNewsGh.

“We have young fans. You have to entertain the fans. Singing a few dance songs with women is not negative.”

He insisted the presence of women in his visuals reflects balance rather than moral compromise.

“Woman and man together multiply the whole world,” he said. “I can’t put men dancing in the video. I have to bring some nice girls.”

Mojah noted that even revered cultural institutions have long included dance and femininity without controversy.

“Even His Majesty always have women dancing,” he said. “They don’t go wild, but they are there.”

Addressing backlash from purist reggae circles, he argued that critics often apply inconsistent standards.

“They worry because Fantan do something they can’t bad up,” he said. “But other Rastas do it and nobody talk.”

He also dismissed claims that he had abandoned conscious music, stating clearly that dancehall was never a replacement, only an extension.

“I will still sing dancehall,” Mojah said. “But I keep it softer. Songs like ‘Relax My Mind.’ We still keep it positive.”

For Mojah, versatility is not betrayal, it is survival in a changing music economy.

“We do music to entertain,” he said. “But we don’t lose the message.”

President John Dramani Mahama has emphasised that despite the demands of public office, he and his family remain accessible members of the Chain Homes community.

Addressing residents, Mahama acknowledged that his schedule often limits his presence in the estate, particularly on weekends.

“There’s hardly a weekend that I’m here when people are resting,” he said.

Still, he encouraged neighbours not to feel distant or intimidated.

“Don’t be intimidated by the soldiers and all that,” Mahama told them. “We’re neighbours.”

He said residents are welcome to visit when he is available, adding that some already do.

“A few of you have been coming. We share some drinks,” he said.

Mahama closed his remarks by thanking residents for their goodwill and urging continued unity within the community.

“Let’s continue to enjoy this good neighbourliness,” he said. “You’re all welcome.”

Fantan Mojah has opened up about the economic and structural challenges facing conscious reggae artists in Jamaica, saying the system often sidelines the very music that built the culture.

Mojah said Jamaican airwaves increasingly favour foreign music over local roots sounds.

“In Jamaica, selectors play more foreign music,” he said on 3fm monitored by MyNewsGh. “So every year when royalty pay out, American artists get the money.”

According to Mojah, this imbalance forces many artists into creative compromises just to stay visible.

“There is no justice in the music in Jamaica,” he said. “So some artists have to sing certain songs to keep pace with their fan base.”

Despite his global popularity, Mojah rejected the assumption that success automatically translates into wealth.

“We wouldn’t say we make money,” he said. “We don’t do music because of money. We do it because of love.”

He also addressed long-standing rumours about his health, dismissing reports that he had collapsed.

“That was fake news,” he said. “People say anything for clout. Nothing like that happened.”

Mojah said Africa now represents both spiritual grounding and a future-facing market for reggae artists seeking respect rather than distortion.

“Africa understand how the market set,” he said. “Now is the time for Africa forget.”

As he prepares to mount the Bhim Festival stage, Mojah said the focus remains legacy, not controversy.

“Some things already gone in history,” he said. “You leave them there.”

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has indicated that he will be visiting Latvia over the death of Nana Agyei Ahyia.

He made this known after meeting with the bereaved family.

In a post shared via social media, he stated that the fact-finding mission has presented a preliminary report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He further indicated that correspondence with the Latvian government points to the fact that Latvian authorities’ investigations into the circumstances leading to the death of Nana Agyei have not been concluded.

The Minister is expected to travel to Latvia to hold talks with my counterpart and engage investigators and will be in the company of family members of the late Nana Agyei Ahyia.

Read The Statement Below

invited the family of the late Nana Agyei Ahyia to a meeting at the Foreign Ministry earlier today.

After directly conveying my deepest condolences, I briefed the family on interventions carried out by the Ministry following the tragic loss of Nana Agyei which include: