# Article 252 of the Constitution of Ghana

- Jurisdiction: Ghana (GH)
- Article: 252
- Chapter (as indexed): Chapter TWENTY: SIX
- Source document: The ghana constitution
- Canonical (HTML): https://www.portablelaw.com/provision/8098ca84-ea33-4f0a-a2d0-df26f491173d
- This document: https://www.portablelaw.com/provision/8098ca84-ea33-4f0a-a2d0-df26f491173d/md
- Constitution: https://www.portablelaw.com/countries/5bb4aa04-bfb4-40e8-883e-d628fd15d66b

## Verbatim text

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Assemblies shall continue to be collected exclusive ly for District Assemblies under the
enactments under which they were collected.
24. HOUSES OF CHIEFS, ETC.
The National House of Chiefs, the Regional Houses o f Chiefs, the traditional councils and all
Judicial Committees of those bodies in existence im mediately before the coming into force of
this Constitution shall, on the coming into force o f this Constitution, continue in existence
subject to this Constitution.
25. CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO OATHS DECREE, 1972 (NRCD 6).
The Oaths Decree, 1972 (NRCD 6), as amended, shall have effect subject to the provisions of
this Constitution.
26. GENERAL ADAPTATION OF EXISTING ENACTMENTS.
Except where the context otherwise requires and sub ject to the other provisions of this Part, in
all enactments in existence immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution—
(a) for any reference to the Provisional National D efence Council there shall be substituted a
reference to the Cabinet;
(b) for any reference to the Secretary to the Provi sional National Defence Council where the
reference relates to the functions normally perform ed by the Secretary to the Cabinet the
reference shall be a reference to the Secretary to the Cabinet,
(c) any reference to the Secretary to the Committee  of Secretaries shall be a reference to the
Head of the Civil Service;
(d) for any reference to a Secretary, being an indi vidual of ministerial rank, there shall be
substituted a reference to a Minister;
(e) for any reference to a Member of the Provisiona l National Defence Council responsible
for any subject or department of State there shall be substituted a reference to the Minister
responsible for that subject or department of State .
27. CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF TO INCLUDE GENERAL OFFIC ER
COMMANDING.
In this Constitution, any reference to the Chief of  Defence Staff shall be deemed to include
any person who holds or held the office of General Officer Commanding.
28. REFERENCE TO GOVERNMENT IN ENACTMENTS.
(1) A reference to the Government in an enactment i n existence immediately before the
coming into force of this Constitution, where the r eference relates to a legislative function
normally performed by Parliament or a National Asse mbly shall be construed as a reference
to Parliament.
(2) A reference to the Government in an enactment i n existence immediately before the
coming into force of this Constitution, where the r eference relates to an executive function of
the Government, shall be construed as a reference t o the President.
29. REFERENCES TO PROVISIONAL NATIONAL DEFENCE COUN CIL IN
ENACTMENTS.
(1) A reference to the Provisional National Defence  Council in any enactment in existence
immediately before the coming into force of this Co nstitution, where the reference was
originally a reference to the President shall, be c onstrued as a reference to the President.
(2) A reference to the Provisional National Defence  Council in any enactment in existence
immediately before the coming into force of this Co nstitution, where the reference relates to a
legislative function normally performed by Parliame nt or a National Assembly shall be
construed as a reference to Parliament.
(3) A reference to the Provisional National Defence  Council in any enactment in existence
immediately before the coming into force of this Co nstitution, where the reference relates to
an executive function of the Council shall be const rued as a reference to the President.
(4) A reference to the Provisional National Defence  Council in any enactment in existence
immediately before the coming into force of this Co nstitution, where the reference relates to
the making of a statutory instrument, shall be cons trued as a reference to the President or to
any Minister or authority designated by the Preside nt.
30. MODIFICATIONS OF EXISTING LAWS BY THE PRESIDENT .
The First President under this Constitution may, at  any time within twelve months after
assuming office as President, by constitutional ins trument, make such provision as may
appear necessary for repealing, modifying, adding t o or adapting any law for bringing it into
accord with the provisions of this Constitution or otherwise for giving effect to this
Constitution.
31. CONTINUATION OF EFFECT OF MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY  EXISTING
LAW.
(1) Where any matter that falls to be prescribed or  otherwise provided for under this
Constitution by Parliament or by any other authorit y or person, is prescribed or provided for
by or under any existing law or is otherwise lawful ly prescribed or provided for immediately
before the coming into force of this Constitution, that prescription or provision shall, as from
the coming into force of this Constitution, have ef fect with such modifications, adaptations,
qualifications and exceptions as may be necessary t o bring it into conformity with this
Constitution as if made under this Constitution by Parliament or, as the case may be, by the
other authority or person.
(2) For the avoidance of doubt, and without prejudi ce to the general effect of subsection (1) of
this section, where anything is required or authori sed by this Constitution to be prescribed or
provided for by or under an Act of Parliament, it s hall be deemed to be duly prescribed or
provided for, if it has been prescribed or provided  for by or under an Act, Decree, or a Law in
force immediately before the coming into force of t his Constitution.
32. SUCCESSION TO PROPERTY.
(1) Subject to the provisions of articles 257 and 2 58 of this Constitution, all properties and
assets which immediately before the coming into for ce of this Constitution were vested in any
authority or person for the purposes of, or in righ t of, the Government of Ghana or in the
Government of Ghana, shall, on the coming into forc e of this Constitution, without further
assurance than this section, vest in the President.
(2) Any property which was liable, immediately befo re the coming into force of this
Constitution, to estreat or to be forfeited to the Government of Ghana shall be liable to estreat
or to be forfeited to the Government of Ghana under  this Constitution.
(3) Where immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution any person held any
property or asset in trust—
(a) for the President of Ghana under the Constituti on that was abrogated on 31st December,
1981; or
(b) for the Provisional National Defence Council or  the Government of Ghana;
for the purposes of, or in right of, the Government  of Ghana, that person shall, on the coming
into force of this Constitution, hold the property or asset subject to the provisions of articles
257 and 258 of this Constitution, on the same trust  for the Government of Ghana established
under this Constitution.
(4) In this section, references to property and ass ets vested in or held in trust shall include
property and assets vested in or held in trust imme diately before the 31st day of December
1981, for an interest which extended beyond the 30t h day of December, 1981 and has not
been surrendered.
33. DEVOLUTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES.
Subject to section 32 of this Schedule—
(a) where under an existing law, a right, prerogati ve, power, privilege or function is vested in
the Provisional National Defence Council, that righ t, prerogative, power, privilege or function
shall, on the coming into force of this Constitutio n, vest in the President or such other person
or authority as is specified under this Constitutio n who, subject to the provisions of this
Constitution or any other law, may do all things ne cessary for its exercise or performance; and
(b) any right, power, privilege, obligation, liabil ity, duty or function vested in, or subsisting
against the Government of Ghana by or under an exis ting law shall continue to so vest or
subsist.
34. INDEMNITY.
(1) No member of the Provisional National Defence C ouncil, Provisional National Defence
Council Secretary, or other appointees of the Provi sional National Defence Council shall be
held liable either jointly or severally, for any ac t or omission during the administration of the
Provisional National Defence Council.
(2) It is not lawful for any court or tribunal to e ntertain any action or take any decision or
make any order or grant any remedy or relief in any  proceedings instituted against the
Government of Ghana or any person acting under the authority of the Government of Ghana
whether before or after the coming into force of th is Constitution or against any person or
persons acting in concert or individually to assist  or bring about the change in Government
which took place on the twenty-fourth day of Februa ry 1966, on the thirteenth day of January,
1972, on the fourth day of June 1979 and on the thi rty-first day of December 1981 in respect
of any act or omission relating to, or consequent u pon—
(a) the overthrow of the government in power before  the formation of the National Liberation
Council, the National Redemption Council, the Supre me Military Council, the Armed Forces
Revolutionary Council and the Provisional National Defence Council; or
(b) the suspension or abrogation of the Constitutio ns of 1960, 1969 and 1979; or
(c) the establishment of the National Liberation Co uncil, the National Redemption Council,
the Supreme Military Council which took office on t he ninth day of October 1975, the
Supreme Military Council established on the fifth d ay of July 1978, the Armed Forces
Revolutionary Council, or the Provisional National Defence Council; or
(d) the establishment of this Constitution.
(3) For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that  no executive, legislative or judicial action
taken or purported to have been taken by the Provis ional National Defence Council or the
Armed Forces Revolutionary Council or a member of t he Provisional National Defence
Council or the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council o r by any person appointed by the
Provisional National Defence Council or the Armed F orces Revolutionary Council in the
name of either the Provisional National Defence Cou ncil or the Armed Forces Revolutionary
Council shall be questioned in any proceedings what soever and, accordingly, it shall not be
lawful for any court or other tribunal to make any order or grant any remedy or relief in
respect of any such act.
(4) The provisions of subsection (3) of this sectio n shall have effect notwithstanding that any
such action as is referred to in that subsection wa s not taken in accordance with any procedure
prescribed by law.
(5) It is not lawful for any court or tribunal to e ntertain an action instituted in respect of an act
or omission against a person acting or omitting to act, on the instructions or authority of the
Provisional National Defence Council or the Armed F orces Revolutionary Council or a
member of the Provisional National Defence Council or the Armed Forces Revolutionary
Council and alleged to be in contravention of any l aw, whether substantive or procedural, in
existence before or during the administration of th e Provisional National Defence Council or
the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council.
35. PRESERVATION OF CONFISCATION AND PENALTIES IMPO SED BY
A.F.R.C. AND P.N.D.C.
(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, any confiscation of any property and any other
penalties imposed by or under the authority of the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council and
the Provisional National Defence Council under any Decree or Law made by that Council,
shall not be reversed by any authority under this C onstitution.
(2) Where any property or part of any property of a  person was confiscated on the basis of his
holding a public or political office or on any othe r basis, and it is established to the
satisfaction of the Commissioner for Human Rights a nd Administrative Justice that the
property or that part was acquired before he assume d the public or political office, or that it
was otherwise lawfully acquired, the property or th at part shall be returned to that person.
36. ABROGATION OF PNDC (ESTABLISHMENT) PROCLAMATION .
(1) Upon the coming into force of this Constitution , the Provisional National Defence Council
(Establishment) Proclamation 1981 and the Provision al National Defence Council
(Establishment) Proclamation (Supplementary and Con sequential Provisions) Law, 1982
(PNDCL 42) shall cease to have effect.
(2) Notwithstanding the abrogation of the Proclamat ion referred to in subsection (1) of this
section, any enactment or rule of law in force imme diately before the coming into force of this
Constitution shall, in so far as it is not inconsis tent with a provision of this Constitution,
continue in force as if enacted, issued, or made un der the authority of this Constitution.
37. SECTIONS NOT TO BE AMENDED.
Notwithstanding anything in Chapter 25 of this Cons titution, Parliament shall have no power
to amend this section or sections 34 and 35 of this  Schedule.
SECOND SCHEDULE
FORMS OF OATH
THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
I, ___________________ do (in the name of the Almig hty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that
I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republ ic of Ghana as by law established; that I will
uphold the sovereignty and integrity of Ghana; and that I will preserve, protect and defend the
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. (So help me God).
To be sworn before the President, the Chief Justice  or such other person as the President may
designate .
THE PRESIDENTIAL OATH
I, ___________________ having been elected to the h igh office of President of the Republic
of Ghana do (in the name of the Almighty God swear)  (solemnly affirm) that I will be faithful
and true to the Republic of Ghana; that I will at a ll times preserve, protect and defend the
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; and that I d edicate myself to the service and well-
being of the people of the Republic of Ghana and to  do right to all manner of persons.
I further (solemnly swear) (solemnly affirm) that s hould I at any time break this oath of office
I shall submit myself to the laws of the Republic o f Ghana and suffer the penalty for it. (So
help me God).
To be administered by the Chief Justice before Parl iament .
THE OATH OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT
I, ___________________ having been elected to the o ffice of Vice-President of the Republic
of Ghana,
do (in the name of the Almighty God swear) (solemnl y affirm) that I will be faithful and true
to the Republic of Ghana; that I will at all times preserve, protect and defend the Constitution
of the Republic of Ghana; and I dedicate myself to the service and well-being of the people of
the Republic of Ghana and to do right to all manner  of persons.
I further (solemnly swear) (solemnly affirm) that s hould I at any time break this oath of office,
I shall submit myself to the laws of the Republic o f Ghana and suffer the penalty for it. (So
help me God).
To be administered by the Chief Justice before Parl iament.
THE JUDICIAL OATH
I, ___________________ having been appointed (Chief  Justice/a Justice of the Supreme
Court/a Justice of the Court of Appeal/a Justice of  the High Court of Justice, etc.) do (in the
name of the Almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) t hat I will bear true faith and allegiance
to the Republic of Ghana as by law established; tha t I will uphold the sovereignty and
integrity of the Republic of Ghana; and that I will  truly and faithfully perform the functions of
my office without fear or favour, affection or ill- will; and that I will at all times uphold,
preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and l aws of the Republic of Ghana. (So help me
God).
To be sworn before the President, the Chief Justice  or such other person as the Chief Justice
may designate .
THE OATH OF MEMBER OF COUNCIL OF STATE
I, ___________________ do (solemnly swear in the na me of the Almighty God) (solemnly
affirm) that I will faithfully and conscientiously perform my duties as a member of the
Council of State and uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of
Ghana. (So help me God).
To be sworn before the President .
THE CABINET OATH
I, ___________________ having been appointed a memb er of the Cabinet do (in the name of
the Almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I wi ll not directly or indirectly reveal such
matters as shall be debated in the Cabinet and comm itted to my secrecy; and that I will
uphold, preserve, protect and defend the Constituti on of the Republic of Ghana. (So help me
God).
To be sworn before the President .
THE OATH OF MINISTER OF STATE
I, ___________________ having been appointed Minist er of State (Deputy Minister) of the
Republic of Ghana, do (in the name of the Almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I will
at all times well and truly serve the Republic of G hana in the office of Minister of State
(Deputy Minister); that I will uphold, preserve, pr otect and defend the Constitution of the
Republic of Ghana as by law established; that I wil l, to the best of my judgment, at all times
when required, freely give my counsel and advice fo r the good management of the public
affairs of the Republic of Ghana; and that I will n ot directly or indirectly reveal any matters
that shall come to my knowledge in the discharge of  my duties and committed to my secrecy
as Minister of State (Deputy Minister). (So help me  God).
To be sworn before the President
THE OATH OF SECRECY
I, ___________________ holding the office of ______ _____________ do (in the name of the
Almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I will n ot directly or indirectly communicate or
reveal to any person any matter which shall be brou ght under my consideration or shall come
to my knowledge in the discharge of my official dut ies except as may be required for the
discharge of my official duties or as may be specia lly permitted by law. (So help me God).
To be sworn before the President, the Chief Justice  or such other person as the President may
designate .
THE OFFICIAL OATH
I, ___________________ do (in the name of the Almig hty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that
I will at all times well and truly serve the Republ ic of Ghana in the office of
____________________ and that I will uphold, preser ve, protect and defend the Constitution
of the Republic of Ghana as by law established. (So  help me God).
To be sworn before the President or such other pers on as the President may designate .
THE SPEAKER’S OATH
I, ___________________ do (in the name of the Almig hty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that
I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Republ ic of Ghana as by law established; that I will
uphold the integrity of the Republic of Ghana; that  I will faithfully and conscientiously
discharge my duties as Speaker of Parliament; and t hat I will uphold, preserve, protect and
defend the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; a nd that I will do right to all manner of
persons in accordance with the Constitution of Ghan a and the laws and conventions of
Parliament without fear or favour, affection or ill -will. (So help me God).
To be sworn before the Chief Justice .
THE OATH OF A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
I, ___________________ having been elected a member  of Parliament do (in the name of the
Almighty God swear) (solemnly affirm) that I will b ear true faith and allegiance to the
Republic of Ghana as by law established; that I wil l uphold, preserve, protect and defend the
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; and that I w ill faithfully and conscientiously discharge
the duties of a member of Parliament. (So help me G od).
To be sworn before the Speaker
THE OATH OF THE AUDITOR-GENERAL
I, ___________________ having been appointed Audito r-General of the Republic of Ghana
do (in the name of the Almighty God swear) (solemnl y affirm) that I will bear true faith and
allegiance to the Republic of Ghana; that I will up hold, preserve, protect and defend the
Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; and that I w ill truly and faithfully perform the
functions of my office without fear or favour, affe ction or ill-will. (So help me God).
To be sworn before the President, or such other per son as the President may designate .
Made this 8th day of May, 1992.
FLT. -LT.  JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS
Chairman of the Provisional National Defence Counci l
Date of Gazette  notification: 15th May, 1992.
* This document has been amended by The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
(Amendment) Act, 1996 , December 16, 1996. In each instance where the tex t has been altered
to integrate the amendment, the text has been [brac keted], highlighted, and linked  (through
the endnote) to the amending article.
1 As amended by Section 1 , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendm ent) Act,
1996.
2 As amended by Section 2 , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendm ent) Act,
1996.
3 As amended by Section 3 , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendm ent) Act,
1996.
4 As amended by Section 4 , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendm ent) Act,
1996.
5 As amended by Section 5 , subsection (b) , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
(Amendment) Act, 1996.
6 As amended by Section 5 , subsection (a) , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
(Amendment) Act, 1996.
7 As amended by Section 5 , subsection (c) , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana
(Amendment) Act, 1996.
8 As amended by Section 6 , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendm ent) Act,
1996.
9 As amended by Section 7 , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendm ent) Act,
1996.
10  As amended by Section 8 , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendm ent) Act,
1996.
11  As amended by Section 9 , The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendm ent) Act,
1996.
Oceana™
198 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 726-6000
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## What this means (mechanical reading aid, not legal advice)

- The index files this text under article 252 of the Constitution of Ghana.
- The index files it under the chapter heading “Chapter TWENTY: SIX”.
- The passage runs to about 3,747 words.
- Read plainly, it mentions assembly and association — it protects gathering together or joining a group, union or party (the words used: “Assemblies”); it mentions property — it addresses property, possession, or taking property compulsorily (the words used: “PROPERTY”).
- **Caveat:** The row’s stored title is a body fragment, not a heading (“of this Constitution, all taxes and oth er moneys collected exclusively for District”), so it is not used as the provision’s title here.
- **Caveat:** The index gives this passage an article number but stores a body fragment where a heading would be, so the number could not be cross-checked against the text. Check it against the official Constitution before relying on it in a citation.
- **Caveat:** This index row contains 14 separately numbered sections, so it is a chapter-length passage rather than one provision. Cite the passage, and treat any single section number as unverified.

> This is a mechanical reading aid generated from the text above by matching words in it. It is not legal advice, not a lawyer’s interpretation, and not a substitute for the provision itself.

## How to cite this

Constitution of Ghana, article 252, Portable Lawyer, https://www.portablelaw.com/provision/8098ca84-ea33-4f0a-a2d0-df26f491173d (accessed 27 September 2026).

## Related

- [Constitution of Ghana](https://www.portablelaw.com/countries/5bb4aa04-bfb4-40e8-883e-d628fd15d66b)
- [Ghana on Portable Lawyer](https://www.portablelaw.com/countries/5bb4aa04-bfb4-40e8-883e-d628fd15d66b)
- [HTML version of this provision](https://www.portablelaw.com/provision/8098ca84-ea33-4f0a-a2d0-df26f491173d)
- [Machine-readable corpus digest](https://www.portablelaw.com/llms-full.txt)

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Portable Lawyer · Article 252 of the Constitution of Ghana (chapter: “Chapter TWENTY: SIX”). Assemblies shall continue to be collected exclusive ly for District Assemblies under the enactments under which they were collected. 24. HOUSES OF CHIEFS, ETC. The National House…