Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
The Head of the Youth Alliance for Democratic Development (YADD Ghana), James Kofi Niltse, has urged President John Mahama to quickly implement the recommendations of the National Constitutional Review Commission, warning that continued delays are eroding public confidence in democratic governance.
In an Exclusive interview with AfricaNewsgh, Niltse said the commission’s report, submitted in December 2025, has yet to see decisive action from the presidency. “We are begging President Mahama to review the Constitution,” he said, adding that without reform it could take “another 30–40 years” to achieve meaningful parliamentary progress on these issues.
Niltse called for specific constitutional changes to strengthen local governance and accountability. He recommended making media and public oversight bodies independent and granting district assemblies greater control over their jurisdictions to ensure local development plans are delivered and officials are held to account.
Niltse also highlighted the deteriorating state of roads and blamed systemic issues and corruption for prolonged delays in repairs. He accused successive administrations and political actors of using road contracts and tolling arrangements to benefit politically connected individuals and parties rather than prioritizing public interest.
“There are instances where road maintenance budgets are routed in ways that delay repairs and create opportunities for profiteering,” Niltse said, urging the president to guard against practices that allow contractors or officials to profit at the expense of citizens.
The YADD leader proposed that the constitutional review consider national sponsorship or public financing of political parties to reduce dependence on private financiers. He argued that transparent, regulated funding would deter the capture of public office by those seeking to recoup campaign investments, thereby reducing incentives for corruption.
Niltse emphasized that meaningful constitutional reform and stronger local governance structures are critical to restoring youth faith in democracy. He appealed directly to President Mahama to act promptly on the review committee’s recommendations and to prioritize reforms that ensure transparency, decentralization, and accountability.
The presidency and relevant government agencies have not yet responded to requests for comment on the concerns raised by Niltse.
