Electorate asked to know their responsibilities

Sekondi, Sept. 23, GNA - Mr Kwaku Baa-Owusu, Western Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on Tuesday, asked Ghanaians to act within the ambit of the constitution in order to deeply entrench the rule of law in the country.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sekondi, he said it is only when those in government and the electorate follow the laws of the country that good governance would be assured. Mr Baa-Owusu said promoting the rule of law and good governance means that both the country's elected leaders and the electorate must know their rights, powers and responsibilities as prescribed by the constitution which is the supreme law of the land.

He said the electorate should not fear but rather respect and co-operate with those in government because it is they who had given the leaders the sovereign will to govern the country on their behalf and ensure that there is peace and development.

Mr Baa-Owusu said it was the responsibility of all to promote justice, freedom, accountability, equal opportunities, and personal liberties.

He asked Ghanaians to appreciate the value of their votes and exercise their franchise after carefully deciding on their choice.

He said refusal to vote in national elections is not a crime in Ghana but it is the right and duty of the electorate to exercise their franchise and those who refuse to do so should not complain afterwards. Mr Baa-Owusu said voting should not become a mechanical manipulation but a process of giving sovereign will to the elected. 23 Sept. 03