State of Ghana's democracy to be scrutinised on April 28

Accra, April 26, GNA - The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on Tuesday spelt-out modalities for scrutinising the state of Ghana's democracy under the Fourth Republican Constitution from April 28 to May 4.

The areas which would be under the public's scrutiny would include; performance of the media; the judiciary and the justice system; operations of political parties; and the broad spectrum of corruption.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on the 11th Annual Constitution Week Celebration, Mr Farhan Laari Bimi, NCCE Chairman noted that the democratic development in the country since 1992 needed to be scrutinised for the citizenry to appreciate its prospects and any possible deficits.

He said: "Ghanaians need to develop the culture of democracy, the courage to resist violation of their human rights and the tenacity to resist dictatorship of all forms and, more particularly and fundamentally any overthrow or attempted overthrow of government".

Mr Bimi noted that the Constitution was a testament to the tenacity of Ghanaians throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those inalienable rights to every citizen. He said institutions and governance bodies including the security agencies, civil society organisations, educational institutions, media practitioners, politicians and legal practitioners, farmers, traders and ordinary Ghanaians would participate in the celebration. The tradition of celebrating the Constitution Week started in 2001 to annually dedicate a month for the observance of Constitution Week.

The aims of the celebration are to emphasise citizens' responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; informing the people that the Constitution is the basis for Ghana's great heritage and the foundation for the way of life; and to encourage the study of the Constitution.

The month-long programme of activities is being organised by the NCCE with support from democratic stakeholders including Governance Africa Foundation, which has donated quantities of the Pocket Size copies of the 1992 Constitution for the celebration.

Meanwhile, a press statement signed by Paapa Nketsiah, NCCE Director of Public Affairs noted efforts to develop the young generation of Ghanaians to imbibe the virtues inherent in democracy. "The NCCE will continue to engage the junior, senior high and tertiary level students in the educational system to nurture civic dispositions for good governance in the country," he noted. 26 April 11