Alban Bagbin calls for constitutional amendment to allow chiefs in active politics

In a bold call for constitutional reform, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has urged for an amendment to the 1992 Constitution to permit chiefs to engage in active politics.

Speaking on June 30th, during his visit to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Bagbin emphasized the pivotal role of chiefs in national development and criticized the current restrictions that prevent them from participating in political activities.

Article 276 of the 1992 Constitution stipulates: “(1) A chief shall not take part in active party politics; and any chief wishing to do so and seeking election to Parliament shall abdicate his stool or skin; (2) Notwithstanding clause (1) of this article and paragraph (c) of clause (3) of article 94 of this Constitution, a chief may be appointed to any public office of which he is otherwise qualified.”

Mr. Bagbin, however, argued that this provision needs revision to better reflect the realities and developmental needs of the country.

“The 1992 Constitution has stabilized democracy in Ghana but there is a lot for us to do to refine it to better suit our situation. I want to call on the future government to take this seriously, we need to amend the 1992 Constitution,” Bagbin asserted.

He elaborated on his disagreement with the current stance, stating, “I disagree with those who say that our chiefs should not participate in active politics. Politics is about development, the chiefs lead the development, and you say they should not participate in it yet the politicians every day are knocking at their doors.”

This call for change was made during a public lecture at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), marking the beginning of the 30th-anniversary celebrations in the Ashanti region.

Mr. Bagbin was accompanied by his spouse, the Second Deputy Speaker, MPs from the region, the Clerk to Parliament, two Deputy Clerks, and several staff members of the Parliamentary Service.

Expressing his gratitude to the Asantehene for his wise counsel over the years, Bagbin assured that he would strive to remain transparent and accountable to the electorate and all Ghanaians as he leads the 8th Parliament to a successful conclusion.

In his response, the Asantehene cautioned politicians against the excessive monetization of the electoral process, highlighting that such practices foster corruption.

He also urged MPs to maintain regular contact with their constituents to ensure a harmonious relationship between the governed and the governing.

As the nation reflects on this significant proposition, the discourse on amending the 1992 Constitution to incorporate the active political participation of chiefs is poised to become a pivotal issue in Ghana’s ongoing democratic evolution.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith