The word “New” is always misunderstood, ignored, or replaced with calls for modifications, reviews, or rebranding.

I will certainly give Ghana a new constitution the day I get the chance but for now, if all we can hope for are amendments, edits, modifications, reviews, or tweaks, then let me state clearly:

if I had to choose just one critical change, it would be the introduction of Proportional Representation of the South African type into Ghana’s electoral system.

Over the years, I have come to understand that you cannot win everything in politics. You win some, you lose some. Expecting a new Constitution from President Mahama is as improbable as expecting urine from a cock.

It was refreshing to hear President Mahama say that he views his second term as a legacy term.

Undoubtedly his contribution of bringing young people into governance has been the basis for sustained vitriolic attacks from his political opponents who have thought that it was most reckless of him handing whole ministries to persons with little or no work experience.

With his comeback, he has added another historic milestone by giving Ghana its first female vice president.

These achievements are commendable, but as we applaud, we must ask: what will become of youth and women's representation in governance after Mahama? This is where opportunity is presented to Mahama to seal his legacy.

The Proportional Representation electoral system has the potential to radically reshape Ghana’s decision-making processes and ensure governance truly reflects the diverse voices of our society—women, youth, and persons living with disabilities.

May President Mahama leave behind a legacy of inclusion. This is well within his reach if he so wishes. But legacies aren’t built on benevolence—they are built on systems and structures that endure beyond one leader.

The President has a rare opportunity to ensure that women, youth, persons living with disabilities, and the best human resources amongst us have a guaranteed place at the decision-making table—not because a leader chooses them, but because the Constitution demands it.

Consider this: our current Parliament does not include a single person living with a disability. Are we saying that individuals in wheelchairs or those who are visually impaired have nothing to contribute to governance?

Proportional Representation would change this by ensuring that every group in our society has a voice. It would cement inclusion as a right, not a privilege.

And look, culturally as Ghanaians, we are not a winner-takes-all people. Our traditions are rooted in consensus-building, where everyone has a say and every voice matters. Yet, our current political system is exclusionary, leaving the best among us sidelined.

Proportional Representation would bring us back to our roots, fostering collaboration and unity instead of division.

Without systemic change, we perpetuate a cycle of failure, where one group waits for another to fail just to take over, instead of working together to defeat poverty, disease, and ignorance. How long can we sustain this madness?

President Mahama has a historic opportunity to solidify his legacy by laying the foundation for a more inclusive Ghana.

Let this be the presidency that makes representation—of women, youth, and persons living with disabilities—a constitutional guarantee. Let this be the term that ends the tyranny of winner-takes-all politics.

The question is simple:Will we continue to rely on the goodwill of leaders, or will we institutionalise inclusivity through a Constitution that serves all Ghanaians? The answer lies in our collective resolve to fight for a system that values every voice and leaves no one behind.

Let us build a Ghana where representation is not a favour, but a right—one that reflects the full potential of our people. It is time to act. Let us give Ghana the Constitution it truly deserves.