GOV • SHS 1Term 3WAEC / WASSCE SyllabusVIP Lesson
The 1992 Constitution of the Fourth Republic of Ghana
Features of the 1992 Constitution, Directive Principles of State Policy, Council of State, CHRAJ, and Local Government decentralization.
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Real-World Context & Relevance in Ghana
Citizens petition CHRAJ to investigate public officials for conflict of interest and human rights violations.
Key Syllabus Learning Objectives
- 1Examine the major features and hybrid executive-legislative characteristics of the 1992 Constitution
- 2Analyze the constitutional mandates of CHRAJ, NCCE, and the Council of State
- 3Evaluate the local government decentralization structure (MMDAs) and its challenges
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Comprehensive Syllabus Study Notes
• Key Features of the 1992 Constitution:
- Supreme law of the land; republican unitary state with an executive presidency.
- Hybrid system: Blends presidential system with parliamentary features (Article 78: President must appoint majority of Ministers from Parliament).
- Entrenched Provisions: Fundamental Human Rights, Chieftaincy, Multi-Party Democracy, and Judicial Review can only be amended via national referendum.
• Independent Governance Bodies:
- Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ): Investigates human rights abuses, maladministration, and corruption.
- National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE): Educates citizens on constitutional rights and civic responsibilities.
- Council of State: Eminent advisory body counseling the President, Ministers, and Parliament.
• Local Government & Decentralization:
- Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
- Headed by District Chief Executives (DCEs) appointed by the President and approved by two-thirds of the Assembly.
- Key Features of the 1992 Constitution:
- Supreme law of the land; republican unitary state with an executive presidency.
- Hybrid system: Blends presidential system with parliamentary features (Article 78: President must appoint majority of Ministers from Parliament).
- Entrenched Provisions: Fundamental Human Rights, Chieftaincy, Multi-Party Democracy, and Judicial Review can only be amended via national referendum.
- Independent Governance Bodies:
- Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ): Investigates human rights abuses, maladministration, and corruption.
- National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE): Educates citizens on constitutional rights and civic responsibilities.
- Council of State: Eminent advisory body counseling the President, Ministers, and Parliament.
- Local Government & Decentralization:
- Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
- Headed by District Chief Executives (DCEs) appointed by the President and approved by two-thirds of the Assembly.
Practical Example:
Citizens petition CHRAJ to investigate public officials for conflict of interest and human rights violations.
Core Takeaway:
Article 78(1) is a frequent WASSCE question: it mandates that the majority of ministers of state must come from within Members of Parliament.
WAEC / WASSCE Examiner Tips
- Article 78(1) is a frequent WASSCE question: it mandates that the majority of ministers of state must come from within Members of Parliament.
Common Candidate Pitfalls & Errors to Avoid
- Dating the start of the Fourth Republic to the referendum rather than to the sworn government of January 1993.
- Calling the Directive Principles of State Policy enforceable in court like Chapter 5 rights.
- Confusing the Council of State with the Cabinet.
- Saying CHRAJ is a court.
- Describing the 1992 Constitution as amendable by simple majority like any ordinary law.
Topic Mastery Checklist
- Examine the major features and hybrid executive-legislative characteristics of the 1992 Constitution
- Analyze the constitutional mandates of CHRAJ, NCCE, and the Council of State
- Evaluate the local government decentralization structure (MMDAs) and its challenges
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