The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) hosted a former Majority Leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, on the second day of its Founder’s Week symposium, where he delivered a lecture on the “Architecture of Political Transitions.” In his presentation, he emphasized the need for constitutional reforms to strengthen Ghana’s democratic transition processes and proposed measures to enhance the coordination of power transfers.
He also highlighted the urgent need for constitutional reforms to strengthen Ghana’s democratic transition processes. He proposed a review of the national election timetable, noting that the current December 7 election date leaves limited room for a coordinated transfer of power. He suggested amending the constitution to empower the Electoral Commission to hold elections earlier, preferably in October, allowing time for the preparation of handover notes, security briefings, and administrative continuity. An election held on the first Monday or Tuesday in October, he noted, would also provide space for a possible run-off within the same month.
Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu asserted that a two-month interval between elections and inauguration would enable outgoing and incoming administrations to collaborate more effectively in the national interest. To support this, he recommended the establishment of a permanent, adequately resourced Presidential Transition Secretariat to oversee year-round transition planning. According to him, a well-managed transition is central to democratic self-preservation that relies on strong institutions, sufficient resources, and strict adherence to established procedures.
He further called on Parliament to address constitutional gaps that create uncertainty in presidential and parliamentary succession. He pointed out the lack of clear provisions on what happens when a Vice President dies or resigns and the ambiguities surrounding a possible extension of presidential tenure during wartime, stressing that resolving these issues is key to strengthening Ghana’s democratic resilience.
The lecture was chaired by the Vice President of the Arts Section, Emeritus Professor Takyiwaa Manuh (FGA), who welcomed the insights and highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue on democratic governance.
Fellows of the Academy, civil society organizations, the general public and other stakeholders including journalists, and students from Accra Academy, who attended the event were given the opportunity to ask questions about the topic. This lecture exemplifies GAAS’ mission to stimulate intellectual engagement on key issues affecting Ghana. Through such forums, the Academy contributes to knowledge creation, evidence-based discussions, and the development of robust governance practices.
