Barker-Vormawor Slams CRC Term Extension Referendum

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Constitutional Rights and Policy Strategy Advisor at Democracy Hub, has expressed disagreement with the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) over the classification of the proposal to extend the presidential term to five years as a semi-entrenched provision.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Wednesday, January 7, Barker-Vormawor argued that the issue is far too fundamental to be determined solely by Parliament and should instead be subjected to a national referendum, allowing Ghanaians to decide directly.

He explained that under the CRC’s proposals, constitutional provisions are grouped into entrenched clauses, which require approval through a referendum, and semi-entrenched clauses, which can be amended by Parliament with a supermajority.

Barker-Vormawor stated, “I disagree with the committee. I think it is one of the questions that should go to a referendum. It is one of the questions that they put into the semi-entrenched category that goes to Parliament. I think this is a question that people should speak on.”

He further noted that since the two-term limit for the presidency has been placed under entrenched provisions requiring a referendum, any proposal affecting the duration of a presidential term should be treated similarly.

Barker-Vormawor cautioned that excluding citizens from such a critical decision risks eroding public confidence in the constitutional review process and undermining trust in reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance.

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