Ghana Ebutu Calls for Constitutional Review and End to Peace Accords in Elections: Rev. Grant Urges National Unity and Accountability

At a recent press conference, Rev. Benjamin Grant, the Convener of Ghana Ebutu, delivered a powerful call to action, urging Ghanaians to address the country's longstanding challenges. 

He stressed the need for a constitutional review, called for an end to the practice of peace accords in elections, and proposed immediate reforms to ensure national development and accountability in governance.

Rev. Grant began by reflecting on the difficult trajectory of Ghana’s development since the 1981 overthrow of the People’s National Party (PNP) government. 

He observed that the resulting political mismanagement has driven many young Ghanaians to seek better opportunities abroad, while those who remain often resort to desperate measures to survive.

In addressing the issue of peace accords signed by flagbearers during elections, Rev. Grant emphasized that this practice undermines the country’s democratic foundations. 

Citing the preamble of the 1992 Constitution, he argued that Ghana does not need such accords if its institutions, laws, and electoral processes are truly transparent and secure. 

Instead of relying on these symbolic gestures, he urged the Peace Council to focus on strengthening Ghana's governance systems and upholding constitutional principles of freedom, justice, and peace.

Rev. Grant also highlighted the pressing need for constitutional reforms. 

He called for the immediate investigation and prosecution of Presidents accused of corruption at the end of their terms, urging that failure to declare assets should be treated as an impeachable offense. 

He argued that this would deter future corruption and foster a culture of transparency and accountability within government.

Moving on to national development, Rev. Grant stressed the importance of a comprehensive national development plan that transcends political party lines. 

He criticized the common practice of abandoning projects initiated by previous governments and called for legal measures, including impeachment, to hold presidents accountable for failing to continue such projects. This, he said, would promote continuity and progress in the country’s development agenda.

Rev. Grant further emphasized the urgency of reducing Ghana's reliance on foreign loans, arguing that financial independence is essential for true sovereignty. He proposed investing in mechanized agriculture and industrialization as pathways to reducing dependency and boosting the country’s economic strength. Ghana, he said, is rich in natural resources and should use these assets to develop a strong, self-sustaining economy.

In a passionate plea for environmental protection, Rev. Grant warned of the catastrophic impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s forests and water bodies. He stressed that urgent action is needed to preserve the country’s natural resources for future generations and questioned whether Ghanaians would be able to celebrate the nation’s centenary of independence in 2057 if the current levels of environmental degradation continue.

Concluding his address, Rev. Grant called on all Ghanaians, from traditional leaders to organized labor, to unite in addressing the country’s challenges. Quoting Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, he reminded the nation that “we face neither East nor West; we face forward,” urging citizens to take bold steps to hold leaders accountable and build a better future for the country.

He also called on the media to play a key role in disseminating this crucial message to every corner of the country, so that Ghanaians can come together in the collective effort to transform their nation.