Mahama calls for amendment of constitution before referendum

Former President John Mahama has called on government to urgently work to remove all hindrances that will hamper the smooth running of the December 17 referendum.

Speaking to journalists in Wa, Mr Mahama stated that it would not be useful to go for a yes vote if certain amendments are not made to the existing constitution.

“We have to repeal the part that says the President can appoint members of the District Assemblies,” he said.

“People have created the impression that we are are going to vote for DCEs to be elected. What we are being asked at the referendum is: do we want political parties to participate in the local government process?” he clarified.

The referendum has become necessary because Article 55 is an entrenched provision of the Constitution and, therefore, can only be amended after a majority yes vote.

Government wants Ghanaians to back the proposed amendment through a vote but opposition National Democratic Congress, National House of Chiefs and the Chamber for Local Governance have kicked against the move.

Speaking after a tour of some National Identification Authority’s (NIA) registration centres, he indicated that some residents complained about the slow registration pace of the Ghana Card.

The former President called on the management of the NIA to speed up the process to prevent the inconveniences faced by prospective registrants.

Meanwhile, he urged Ghanaians to take the exercise seriously since the card helps identify Ghanaians in the disbursement of social benefits.

Source: Myjoyonline.com