The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has appealed to the Executive and the other arms of government to play their respective roles diligently and expeditiously to ensure the success of Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review process.
The Commission also urged the government to prioritise public education to enable citizens to fully understand the proposals and contents of the draft constitutional review.
The call was contained in a statement issued to mark Constitution Day and signed by the Chairperson of the NCCE, Ms Kathleen Addy. Constitution Day, the statement noted, provides an important opportunity for Ghanaians to reflect on the country’s constitutional democracy, the supremacy of the 1992 Constitution, and the enduring national values of freedom, justice, accountability and the rule of law.
This year’s Constitution Day is being commemorated under the theme: “Upholding Our Constitution in a Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility.” According to the NCCE, the theme highlights the growing influence of digital technologies and online platforms on democratic governance, civic participation and national discourse, particularly at a time when the country is undertaking a constitutional review.
While acknowledging that the digital space has expanded access to information and enhanced citizen engagement, the Commission cautioned that it has also created challenges such as the spread of misinformation and disinformation, abuse of freedoms, rising intolerance and other practices that threaten constitutional values and social cohesion.
The statement indicated that civic engagements marking this year’s Constitution Day would focus on constitutional education and the proposed reforms. It further encouraged young people and active users of digital platforms to act as ambassadors of constitutional and democratic values by using technology responsibly to strengthen democracy, promote national unity and contribute positively to Ghana’s development.
The NCCE commended the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) for the work done so far, particularly in relation to proposed amendments, reviews and recommendations concerning the 1992 Constitution. It also called on citizens to actively participate in and show keen interest in the forthcoming processes that are expected to lead to a revised version of the Constitution.
Reaffirming the authority of the 1992 Constitution, the Commission stressed that it remains the supreme law of the land and is binding on all persons and institutions. Its principles, the statement said, must guide conduct in both physical and digital spaces. Respect for fundamental human rights, responsible exercise of freedoms, adherence to the rule of law and respect for democratic institutions, it added, apply equally to online interactions and digital communication.
In commemorating Constitution Day, the NCCE called on citizens, public office holders, civil society organisations, the media and digital content creators to demonstrate patriotism and civic responsibility by promoting truth, tolerance, peaceful dialogue and respect for constitutional order in the digital environment.
The Commission pledged to intensify nationwide civic education programmes through community engagements, schools, traditional media, digital platforms and stakeholder collaborations to deepen public understanding of constitutional rights, responsibilities and responsible digital citizenship.
“The NCCE remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to educate and sensitise the citizenry on their rights and responsibilities, and to nurture a culture of democracy for sustainable national development,” the statement concluded.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
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