The Fourth Republic and 1992 Constitution of Ghana: Grounding Democracy, Rule of Law and Development

Abstract

Studies have established that a majority of national constitutions since 1789 last an average of 17 years. Given this short life expectancy of contemporary constitutions, the 30 years that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution has been in force is a great feat worth celebrating. This chapter applauds Ghana’s constitutional milestone by recounting the Ghanaian experience under the Fourth Republic over the past three decades. It highlights the achievements that should be continued and the shortcomings that need to be worked on. It also makes a case for preserving Ghana’s constitutional longevity and sanctity by timeously amending the relevant provisions in 1992 Constitution to meet the country’s current needs. It emphasises the promise and potential that Ghana’s democracy holds as a pacesetter in Africa.