W/R Constitution Week launched

Bibiani (W/R), April 29 GNA - Mr Christopher Addai, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Chief Executive, on Wednesday called on the people to acquaint themselves with the provisions in the constitution to enable the country's democratic process to stay on track.

He made the call at the Western Regional launch of 2004 Constitution Week at Lineso near Bibiani. The launch was under the theme: "National integration through tolerance".

Mr Addai said the success of the government's economic programmes is linked to the democratic process and that it is the responsibility of all to study and know what is expected of them in the country's development agenda.

He said whether or not the country develops would depend on the people because the pace of development would have to be proportionate to the contributions of the people themselves.

Mr Addai urged the people not to use the multi-party democracy to perpetuate rancour, bitterness and disunity.

Mr Kwaku Baa-Owusu, Regional Director of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), said the Commission was concerned about the people's ignorance of the provisions of the constitution.

"Many people have not seen a copy of the constitution let alone read it read," he said, adding that this could give room for political parties to exploit the people to their advantage.

Mr Baa-Owusu said the people must know the fundamental laws governing the country if national integration and development are to be achieved, adding that ignorance of the provisions is no excuse when they are contravened.

He asked the youth not to allow political parties to take advantage of their ignorance of the provisions of the constitution and exploit them.

"The constitution permits multi-party democracy and allows people to join political parties of their choice," he reiterated, adding, everybody must understand this and be tolerant of divergent views. 29 Apr. 04