Civitas Ghana launches Textbook

Accra, Feb. 22, GNA- Civitas Ghana, a charitable organization, and Street Law Incorporated, USA, an NGO jointly launched a book titled "Everyday Law" at a ceremony in Accra at the weekend.

The 139-page book dedicated to the youth of Ghana, is to be distributed to second cycle institutions throughout the country, to assist in strengthening democracy and human rights in Ghana. Dr Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, Executive Secretary of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) who performed the launch, noted that every single person has a role to play in everyday life in order not to abuse the fundamental human rights being enjoyed by individuals in the country.

"We should appreciate the rule of law, and respect it to avoid living above reproach so as not to violate the rights of others, violence against women and child abuse", he stressed. He praised the appearance of ex-president Jerry John Rawlings at the NRC, and added that it was a clear victory for the rule of law. Dr Attafuah, who is also a member of Civitas Ghana Steering Committee, recommended the book for all students in order to keep them abreast with time.

Mr. Sam A. Bosompem, chairman of the Steering Committee stated that Civitas Ghana is a member of Civitas, an international organization, with civil society groups such as the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and FIDA.

Mr Bosompem said since its inception in 1998, Civitas has organized a number of public education activities aimed at strengthening democracy and human rights in the country.

He said the organization, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service (GES), teachers and the media, would ensure the development of a democratic and human rights culture in the country.

Mr Bosompem said last year, Civitas was supported by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) to implement a project dubbed "Combating Violence against women: A focus on Men" which sought to forge women's rights in particular, and appreciation of human rights in general.

Mr John Yaw Opoku, legal practitioner, who chaired the function, advised students to take keen interest in the book, which he said, would be of immense help to them to know some of the laws of the country. He thanked students, especially those from Accra High School, for attending the function, and hoped that they would take their studies seriously and become responsible citizens.