The Concept of Sovereignty in Ghanaian Constitutionalism

Abstract

As a measure to encourage and illustrate the elaboration of the constitutions of African countries for more popular consumption, this article explores the concept of sovereignty in Ghana's constitutional law and practice. In so doing, the article sets out a detailed exploration of Article 1(1) of the Constitution of Ghana (on sovereignty) in five parts: a discussion of the use of the words 'sovereignty' and 'sovereign' in the constitution; an examination of sovereignty as a concept, including its historical manifestation in various Constitutions of Ghana; an identification of where sovereignty does not lie in Ghana; argues that sovereignty does not and should not be located anywhere else but in 'the people of Ghana'; and finally, having located sovereignty, illustrates how 'the people of Ghana' may exercise 'sovereignty' within constitutional parameters.