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The Progressive People�s Party (PPP) deputy Communications Director, Mr. Samuel Amoako, has called for a reduction in the amount of powers the Constitution grants the president. The Constitution gives the president too much powers and makes him the single most powerful person in Ghana. Speaking to Today�s Manifesto Watch, Mr. Amoako explained that the numerous powers granted the president and the executive arm of government make the president capable of controlling the two other arms of government � the legislature and judiciary � and in the process, rendering them powerless. He maintained that the numerous powers of the president has culminated in the inefficiency of most of his appointees making them (the appointees) always feel they are accountable to no one but the president simply because he appointed them. Such moves and plans do not augur well for the country, Mr. Amoako added and therefore called for a reduction in the powers of the Presidency through a constitutional review. �So we think that if we are able to reduce the executive powers vested in the president, there would be a reduction in the abuse of incumbency and mismanagement of the resources by public office holders,� he affirmed. Mr. Amoako said the abuse of incumbency arises from the numerous powers and has, over the years, helped presidents gain re-election even when they have not performed creditably well during their first term in office. He further argued that the numerous powers of the Presidency and control of the other arms of government do hinder the Legislature which, at a certain point, might want to impeach the President, but cannot do so, especially when the President commands a majority in Parliament. Mr. Amoako therefore called for the empowerment of other arms to improve upon the principle of checks and balances which the 1992 Constitution calls for. �So we think that we need proper checks and balances and the best way of ensuring checks and balances is to give the mandate to the people to make their own decisions�,� he stressed. Giving power to the people, Mr. Amoako said, includes heeding the PPP�s call for the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to improve upon their efficiency in their areas of operation. Electing these individuals, the PPP deputy communications director added, would also ensure that the people elect into office persons with the interest of their communities at heart, persons who would work to not only improve their areas but also foster the ambitions of the president. �Once the people make a choice that person will have the true mandate of the people and the people will assist him to implement all other projects that the government wants to implement,� he said.