Pocket size Constitution printed

Accra, Sept 19, GNA - A national efforts to demystify the 1992 Constitution from being the preserve of legal professionals has been given a boast with the publication of pocket size copies. The attractive 190-page publication has a yellow cover with a replica of the national flag embedded at the top left and bottom right corners of the book to give it nationalist portrait.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Mr George Odamtten, Chief Executive Officer of All Shore Publishing Company, originators of the publication, said the notion that the constitution was the preserve of lawyers and politicians should give way to the collective study and understanding of the fundamental principles of democracy.


He said the pocket size copy was to enhance civic education and create national awareness through strict enforcement of laws. "The basic tenets and principles of the laws enshrined in the Constitution will not be realised until the majority reads, understands and appreciates the importance of complying with common rules designed for the collective interest."


Mr Odamtten said after a fourth successful free and fair elections, "we deem it proper for the constitution to be made accessible to all so that Ghana as a nation will grow up imbued with the faith, tenets, traits and culture of constitutionalism as the bastion of democracy". Mr Odamtten said there was the need to create an increased and sustained interest and participation of all Ghanaians in the new democratic dispensation for the achievement of good governance, social and political stability for national unity and development.


He said the urgent demand for knowledge and information by Ghanaians to accelerate the growth and sustenance of democracy motivated his company to print the copies.

Mr Odamtten said: "Good or bad governance emanates from ignorance of the democratic principles and tenets of the spirit of the constitution, hence the need to personally acquire a copy of the Constitution."


He said in the achievement of good governance, "we all have to work to ensure that the governed and the government adhere strictly to the constitutional provisions without fear or favour".


The President is expected to officially outdoor the pocket-size copy on September 29 in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education.