Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has proposed the creation of a second legislative chamber to operate alongside Ghana’s current Parliament, reigniting national debate about the country’s governance structure.
Speaking in an interview, the former president suggested that Ghana’s unicameral parliamentary system could be strengthened by introducing an additional chamber made up of experienced and respected figures from across society.
According to Mr. Kufuor, the proposed body would serve as a platform for thoughtful deliberation on major national issues, offering guidance and perspective without being influenced by day-to-day partisan politics.
He explained that members of the chamber would not be elected through the conventional political process. Instead, they would be selected based on their experience, expertise, and distinguished service to the nation.
Under his proposal, the body would include traditional rulers, religious leaders, academics, trade union representatives, and retired public servants who have made notable contributions to national development.
Mr. Kufuor described the proposed institution as a “house of wisdom and experience” that could help improve decision-making in governance by providing balanced and non-partisan advice on national matters.
The former president stressed that the proposal is not intended to undermine democratic institutions but rather to complement them by incorporating broader perspectives into the legislative process.
He also drew a distinction between the proposed chamber and the Council of State Ghana, which currently advises the president largely behind closed doors. In contrast, he said the new body would deliberate publicly, allowing citizens to hear the advice offered and observe discussions on national issues.
Ghana has operated a unicameral Parliament since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1993. However, conversations about constitutional reforms and governance structures have continued over the years.