Dr. Otabil educates pupils on their civic duties

Dr. Bernard Otabil, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday educated school children of Achimota Preparatory School in Accra on their civic responsibilities.

The lecture on the theme: “Indiscipline and how it weakens the pillars of our democracy” is part of activities marking this year’s Citizenship Week celebration, under the auspices of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

It seeks to educate young Ghanaians on their responsibilities as citizens and their role in building a strong, vibrant and a democratic nation.

Dr. Otabil explained that the three arms of government, under the constitution of Ghana, the executive, legislature and judiciary, perform their constitutional mandates for the good of the nation.

He said the legislature makes laws while the executive has the responsibility for the functioning of the public service and also responsible for implementing the laws passed by parliament, whereas, the judiciary is responsible for interpreting the law.

He said in order to ensure good governance in the country, the three arms of government serves as checks and balances on each other.

The CEO of the Ghana News Agency said the constitution creates independent organs such as the NCCE, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Electoral Commission (EC), and the National Media Commission (NMC) to support the works of the three arms of government.

He noted that the NCCE educates Ghanaians on the constitution, their fundamental human rights and their civic responsibilities while the CHRAJ ensures administrative justice and is an anti-corruption agency for the public good.

Dr. Otabil said the EC is responsible for conducting free and fair elections, whereas the NMC is responsible for regulating the activities of the media landscape.

He urged the pupils to be patriotic, responsible and disciplined citizens, declaring that, an indiscipline person is one whose behaviour does not conform to the acceptable norms of society.

He said in order to do away with corruption in the country, there must be discipline thoughts and discipline actions.

Dr. Otabil said "anytime one becomes indiscipline, then he or she is damaging the pillars of democracy," adding that, a good disciplined person would put Ghana first in his dealings.

He advised the children to be law abiding, respect the elderly, safeguard their environment, and contribute to society’s well being.

The CEO also urged them to respect the rights of other people; abstain from bribery and corruption and to live in harmony with each other.

Dr. Otabil also planted two seedlings on the school’s compound to mark the week celebration.

Mr. Wisdom Attah, a teacher at the Achimota School encouraged the pupils to put whatever they have learnt into practice for the good of the nation.

Master Ibrahim Martey, a pupil, on behalf of his colleague, thanked Dr Otabil and the NCCE for educating them on their civic responsibilities.

He appealed to the NCCE to open a Civic Club in the school.