Ghana’s youth have no future with 1992 Constitution – Odike

The founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, has indicated that the 1992 Constitution has no hope and a healthy future for the youth in Ghana.

He has underscored that the youth in Ghana would remain desolate irrespective of who becomes the next president if the constitution is not reviewed or changed.

Odike, speaking on the Maakye morning show on Onua TV on Wednesday, September 1, expressed fret over the prerogative powers given to the President by the constitution at the detriment of the masses.

He disclosed that the late former president, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, after succeeding in a coup d’état, formed a constituent assembly to draft and enact the 1992 constitution to help the practice of democratic governance in Ghana.

He opined that the late former head of state constrained the constituent assembly members to empower the presidency with extensive prerogative powers so that he could rule Ghana completely.

This, according to him, activated the boycott of the 1992 parliamentary elections by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“The 1992 constitution has no hope or future for the youth; there are portions if not changed or reviewed the youth would remain poorer and miserable irrespective of who becomes the next president.”

Odike stated that the 1992 constitution simply protects the executive arm of government from stringent investigation and prosecution after misappropriating or embezzling funds.

All former heads of state, according to him, have failed to review the constitution after serious criticism in opposition due to the fact that they enjoy the presidential entitlements.

He is, therefore, demanding the repeal of the president’s prerogative powers, which allow him to appoint the Auditor General, Inspector General of Police (IGP), and other relevant positions in Ghana.

Reviewing the 1992 constitution and repeal of the prerogative powers given to the president, he believes, would make the members of the executive arm accountable to the people.