Review the 1992 constitution to promote inclusiveness – NCCE
As Ghana marks constitution day today, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is calling for a relook and a deeper reflection on the country’s 1992 constitution to bring about participatory democracy.
The NCCE is of the view that such a reform would also help solve constitutional deficits and aspects of the 1992 Constitution that seemingly brought about apathy in the public, disengaged the public in major aspects of governance at both the grassroots and national levels, deepened marginalization, promoted excessive powers of the Executive and festered the course of corruption.
Our constitutional framework is built on the cardinal pillars of freedom, justice, probity and accountability, liberty, equality of opportunity and prosperity.
The dynamism of these principles must empower Ghanaians and our constitution must be responsive to the evolving needs of its citizenry.
“This will promote a sense of belonging and ensure the collective ownership and participation of every citizen from the grassroots to the national level in our democratic journey,” the Commission, said.
Since 2019 January 7th has been set aside to commemorate the birth of the 1992 Constitution, which ushered in the Fourth Republic.
The Day, dubbed the ” Constitution Day”, aside from acknowledging Ghana’s longest-serving Constitution, also ensures that the tenets of democracy, liberty, democratic governance, rule of law, accountability, constitutionalism are upheld.
The NCCE touted that having uninterrupted Constitutional rule for 29 years especially in a country and a continent like ours with divergent views is no mean feat and must be celebrated recalling the chequered political history and the overthrow of three previous Republican Constitutions, which were truncated by military interventions.
The Commission called on the citizenry to celebrate the Fourth Republican 1992 Constitution, and also encouraged the study of the fundamental law as a guide to civic rights and responsibilities.
It reminded Ghanaians of their collective commitment to uphold and defend the 1992 Constitution against interference and interruptions.
“As article 3(4) of the 1992 Constitution reminds us, every citizen of Ghana has a duty to defend the Constitution, must stand in defence against any person, group or issue that threatens the very fabric of our democracy, and must reject oppressor’s rule in any form or anything that seeks to disturb the peace and stability we enjoy.”
The Commission revealed this in a statement issued by Ms Josephine Nkrumah, its Chairperson in Accra to mark this year’s Constitution Day.
It pointed out that despite the gains, strengthening the country’s democracy by reforming and improving its constitutional infrastructure must be a national priority.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
