CRC Secretary Responds To Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan’s Petition On Proposed Amendment To Article 6 Of The Constitution

Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan has been granted audience by Dr. Rainer Akumpregya, Secretary of the Constitution Review Committee, following his submission of a memorandum requesting an amendment to Article 6 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which pertains to citizenship.

The memorandum specifically seeks clarification and reform to ensure that individuals born in Ghana without ancestral lineage—but who have no other country to call home—are officially recognized as citizens. The proposal calls for the automatic designation of the place of birth as the individual’s hometown for the purposes of national identification and the completion of official and bureaucratic forms.

Dr. Akumpregya warmly welcomed Sheikh Ridwan and expressed the Committee’s appreciation for his proposal. He acknowledged the merit of the suggestion, noting that it could resolve a number of challenges currently faced by such individuals, including children of United Nations diplomats born in Ghana who encounter similar difficulties.

In his remarks, Dr. Akumpregya stated:

“The Chairman of the CRC has agreed in principle with your proposal, and as Secretary, I also understand the issues you’ve raised and support the amendment. However, we are a committee, and the support of the full membership is required for the proposal to advance.”

He further noted that a similar concern had recently been raised during an online youth engagement session on X (formerly Twitter), and the Committee had informed participants that a proposal on the matter was already under consideration.

Dr. Akumpregya concluded by thanking Sheikh Ridwan for honoring the Committee’s invitation, which is typically extended to a select number of individuals and institutions.

“We normally meet with groups, organizations, or associations, so we sincerely appreciate your individual engagement,” he said. “You will hear from us.”

In response, Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan thanked the CRC for the opportunity to verbally present and explain his proposal. He expressed gratitude that he had succeeded in persuading the Secretary of the Committee to support the proposed amendment, pending the full approval of the Committee.