Tamale, Nov. 30, GNA - Dr Michael Ofori-Mensah, Policy Analyst at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has said that Ghana's democracy can be strengthened if the shortcomings experienced over the years are addressed by taking into consideration the concerns of the vulnerable and marginalised groups.

He said after 17 years of operation, Ghana's Constitution has faced a number of challenges and that it was important that the voiceless in society made inputs that would address the short falls in the current constitution. Dr Ofori- Mensah was speaking at a forum organised by the IEA in collaboration with the United Nations Democracy Fund in Tamale on the theme: "Giving Voice to the Voiceless in Ghana's Constitution Review Process". The forum was aimed at soliciting the views of the grassroots on the constitution review process and also to broaden the scope of participation in the process.

He said the IEA was currently undertaking research and advocacy on certain provisions of the constitution that in its view required critical examination.

"In our view the best way to address the concerns of the women and marginalised groups is to create the opportunity for gender advocates and representatives of vulnerable groups to speak to themselves," Mr Ofori-Mensah added.

The forum would also add value to the effect of the Constitution Review Commission, trumpeting the voice of the vulnerable groups in the process, strengthening, analysing and researching the basis of reform proposal and building the capacities of other stakeholders to participate in the process. It also tends to discuss the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Decentralisation and local government and Chieftaincy, among others. He said at the end of the forum, participants, especially the vulnerable, would be able to adequately articulate their concerns for inclusion in the Constitution Review Process. Kpan-Naa Mohammed Bawah, Member of the Council of State, suggested that a broad-based approach was needed to address the shortfalls in the constitution and urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity provided to spell out areas of the Constitution which in their view needed review.

Participants at the forum included people with disability, women's groups, religious leaders, traditional authority, heads of department and NGOs. 30 Nov. 10