UE/R – NCCE ENGAGES MILITARY PERSONNEL IN BOLGATANGA TO MARK 2024 CONSTITUTION WEEK CELEBRATION

By – Sadat Dabo 

The Upper East Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged Military personnel in Bolgatanga to commemorate the 23rd edition of the Annual Constitution Week Celebration

Addressing officers of the Ghana Army on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the Abilba Barracks in Bolgatanga, the Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr. Mawuli Agbenu said, the NCCE celebrates the Annual Constitution Week from 28th April to commemorate the day Ghanaians overwhelmingly endorsed the draft 1992 constitution in a referendum on April 28, 1992.

The Fourth Republican Constitution subsequently came into force on 7th January 1993.

The Regional Director used the occasion to remind them of the turbulent political trajectory of Ghana that culminated in the establishment of the Fourth Republic. He then went ahead to mention some of the achievements of the Fourth Republic.

Mr. Agbenu highlighted the fairly peaceful periodic elections and peaceful transfer of power, vibrant free press, impartial and independent judiciary and political elite acquiescence with the principles of liberal democracy as some of the achievements of the Fourth Republic.

He said; “the 1992 constitution had stood the test of time after 31 years of constitutional rule, adding that, it is important for the security agencies to uphold the values and principles of the Constitution for sustainable development”.

The Head of the NCCE in the Upper East region applauded Ghanaians for being able to sustain and consolidate the gains of the Fourth Republic from 1992 till date. He said Ghana has been described as an oasis of peace and the gateway to Africa because of this achievement.

while emphasizing the successes marked over the last couple of decades, Mr. Agbenu identified certain developments which if not addressed decisively could undermine the entrenchment of democratic ethos in Ghana,

The mushrooming of media houses and their attendant sensationalizing of their informative role resulting in misinformation, disinformation, and fake news could serve as a threat to the consolidation of democracy. Furthermore, he emphasized that the widespread perception, by the citizens, of corruption in high governmental operations, unbridled partisanship, monetization of the electoral process, creeping religious bigotry, and ethnocentrism could derail Ghana’s social, economic, and political development.

All these factors, according to the NCCE Regional Director, are cogent reasons for everyone to be concerned about the protection of the 1992 Constitution. He then relayed the theme under which the 2024 constitution week was being celebrated: “Together we can build Ghana; So get involved”.

He said being responsible citizens also required them to be hardworking, focused on their core duties to uphold the Constitution, and avoid activities that had the tendency to truncate constitutional rule.

He admonished officers of the Ghana Army to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the constitution, especially the provision of article 41 of the 1992 Constitution, which itemizes the Duties of a Citizen.

The Constitution Week Celebration is an initiative of the NCCE aimed at educating citizens on the need to uphold democratic values and acquire and display the spirit of quality citizenship, and patriotism. Further, the week-long celebration is used by the NCCE to remind citizens of the sweat and toil of our forefathers in the struggle to develop the nation and the role the security agencies could play in strengthening constitutional democracy.

Some of the military officers also contributed by asking questions and raising concerns about some recent developments, especially in the relationship between the Ghana Armed Forces and civilians. One such issue that the military officers described as disappointing is the increasing disrespect by civilians of the men in uniform.

Some officers of the Ghana Army also pointed to the rising indiscipline within the population and called on the NCCE to intensify public education to instill discipline in the population.

Mr. Agbenu commended the officers of the Ghana Army for their collaboration and dedication to securing the territorial integrity of Ghana and urged them to help make Ghana a better place for all.

Source – gbcuraonline.com