Prioritise Constitutional Reforms and Protect Local Business- CURENT Urges Mahama

The Centre for Unity, Reform, and National Transformation (CURENT) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take advantage of his parliamentary majority to implement sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at promoting equality, accountability, and the empowerment of indigenous Ghanaian businesses.

In a detailed statement issued by CURENT CEO Samuel Aryeequaye, the organisation outlined three key priorities for the Mahama administration, emphasising the need for bold and decisive action to address longstanding systemic issues.

CURENT highlighted the disparities in how politicians and other state workers are treated in terms of remuneration, benefits, and accountability. The organisation urged the government to amend the constitution to ensure that politicians are treated under the same framework as public servants.

“Politicians are public servants, and their privileges, pay, and responsibilities should reflect this reality,” the statement said. “Ghanaians are frustrated by the perception of political office as a pathway to privilege. Reforming this area will restore public trust and ensure fairness in governance.”

The group stressed that this reform would demonstrate a commitment to equitable treatment and set a higher standard of accountability in public service.

The statement underscored the critical need to safeguard local businesses from unfair competition and economic marginalization. CURENT called for legislation to strengthen the position of Ghanaian-owned enterprises in key sectors.

“Local businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving employment and growth. To ensure their sustainability, the government must enact laws that shield them from unfair foreign competition and create an enabling environment for their success,” CURENT noted.

The organisation also proposed prioritising Ghanaian ownership in industries such as telecommunications, agriculture, and manufacturing, suggesting that such measures could contribute significantly to national development.

With a strong majority in Parliament, President Mahama is uniquely positioned to lead far-reaching constitutional amendments, CURENT argued. The reforms should address systemic inequalities, strengthen governance, and align with the aspirations of the Ghanaian people.

“This is a pivotal moment for Ghana. The administration has the opportunity to implement reforms that will address long-standing grievances and lay a foundation for a stronger democracy,” CURENT stated.

The organisation pointed to areas such as decentralisation of power, judicial independence, and electoral transparency as critical areas needing reform.

CURENT appealed to civil society organisations, traditional authorities, and the general public to actively support these reform initiatives. They emphasised the importance of collective action to ensure that the proposed changes align with the national interest and reflect the will of the people.

About CURENT

The Centre for Unity, Reform, and National Transformation is a nonpartisan organisation committed to promoting policies that foster good governance, national development, and unity among Ghanaians. Through advocacy and public engagement, the group seeks to drive positive change and strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.