Renew commitment to safeguard Ghana’s democracy - NCCE urges citizenry

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has urged the citizenry to renew their commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s democracy by promoting peace, unity and cohesion.  

It, therefore, stressed the need for the citizenry to renew their pledge to uphold the values enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, particularly as the country navigates the post-election period.  
“Peaceful coexistence and national cohesion are the bedrock of effective governance and national development,” it said, stressing the need for Ghanaians to “prioritise unity, tolerance and respect for the rule of law as we work together to build a prosperous Ghana.”

This was contained in a statement issued in Accra last Tuesday and signed by the chairperson of the NCCE, Kathleen Addy. to commemorate Constitution Day and also to congratulate President John Dramani Mahama on his re-election.

While also congratulating the Vice- President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, for making history as the first female Vice-President of Ghana, it expressed the hope that her trailblazing and monumental achievement would inspire the country’s women and generations of women yet unborn. 

Democracy

It said the elections on December 7, 2024, were a testament to the maturity of the country’s democratic processes.

It commended Ghanaians for their active participation in the polls, which were conducted largely in accordance with democratic principles.

“The outcome of the elections demonstrates the resilience of our democratic institutions. The Commission applauds the efforts of all citizens and all relevant stakeholders for the diverse roles they played in the electoral process,” it stated.

The statement said post-election governance was critical to ensuring that democratic gains translated into national development for all citizens.

It, therefore, urged the citizenry to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences, in order to ensure that Ghana remained a beacon of democracy in Africa. 

Milestone

As the country celebrates this significant milestone, it says, “Let us note that democracy does not end with the casting of ballots; it requires continuous effort to nurture peace, tolerance, the rule of law, and respect for diversity in our daily lives.

“The strength of our nation lies in the ability of citizens to live and work together in unity,” it stated.

The statement called on every Ghanaian to promote a culture of dialogue, understanding and reconciliation, especially in the post-election period.

“In doing so, we can build a stronger and more united Ghana, where the principles of equality, justice and inclusiveness prevail,” it noted. 

Mandate

It pledged its commitment to promoting civic education and encouraging active citizenship.

“The 1992 Constitution encourages the citizens of Ghana to “uphold and defend this Constitution and the law” and “to foster national unity and live in harmony with others”.

It said the NCCE would continue to engage Ghanaians on issues of governance, national values and the importance of maintaining peace and stability.  

It said the NCCE’s civic education programmes in 2025, under the theme ‘Ghana’s Future: Our Collective Responsibility’, will focus on post-election governance, sensitisation on the structures and functions of state institutions, and the role of the youth in nation-building.