IEA Opens Prof. Mike Oquaye Centre for Constitutional Studies

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has launched the Prof. Oquaye Centre for Constitutional Studies within the Institute to help broaden the understanding and application of constitutionalism at all levels of governance in the country.

Through its programmes, the centre will also help Ghanaians to appreciate that constitutionalism is the pathway to peace, development and good governance.

The Centre will assist to bring constitutionalism in all we do, translate the Constitution to the simplest terms and local languages with illustrations.

It must be taught in schools, churches, mosques and civil society generally, to live by the tenets therein. 

From school children to local government politicians up to the national executive legislators and all, constitutionalism in Ghana and Africa should be studied, disseminated, and applied. It should be the guidepost to every activity and the yardstick to maintain or replace successive governments.

The mandate of the Centre include:

1. To undertake a thorough study on proposals for review of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana as aforesaid.

2. To broaden the understanding and application of constitutionalism at all levels of governance and daily lives of Ghanaians. Studies in this regard will include:

-Theory and Application of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana

-The Supreme Court on wheels (Judgements on various decisions by the Supreme Court since 1993). Constitutional cases in Ghana’s Fourth Republic).

-Understanding the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. A simple, well explained version of the Constitution in English and other languages.

-Essays on the Ghana Constitution (1992) – Invitation for papers

-1992 Constitution of Ghana Explained.

-IEA Constitutional Papers

-Historical Study, Constitutional Development in Ghana

Ø Study of Colonial Times

Ø 1st Republic

Ø 2nd Republic

Ø 3rd Republic

Ø 4th Republic

-Documents and Papers on Constitutional Development in Ghana. This will include deliberations and proceedings of the Commissions or Assemblies which drafted the Constitutions.

-Constitutionalism in Ghana, The Trial of Martyrs, Re Akoto, J.B. Danquah et al.

-The IEA Debate/Discourse on Constitutional Studies –Monthly Roundtables

-Know Your Rights and Obligations under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana

-The 1992 Constitution of Ghana - Your Rights and Obligations.

-Capping of the Supreme Court – To Cap or Not to Cap?

3. To promote good governance in public affairs, civil society, political and economic institutions as part of our national life.