President Akufo-Addo says the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) continues to be relevant and still has an important role to play in helping to establish a culture of awareness in our country, and ensure the citizens are aligned with their civic responsibilities and duties, especially at this time when the irresponsible elements within the body politic are calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order.
President Akufo-Addo made these remarks on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Jubilee House, where he swore into office three persons to the NCCE Board. The new appointments were to fill vacancies created as a result of promotion and/or retirement.
The President, however, called for sober reflection on the amendment, whether in part or whole, of the 1992 Constitution.
Not attempting to prejudge the outcome of the ongoing national debate on the Constitution, President Akufo-Addo said those calling for an amendment should bear in mind that the 1992 Constitution had provided the bedrock for the longest uninterrupted, stable period of free governances in the otherwise turbulent history of the country.
“I can only say there is need for caution from all of us, by all of us in calling into question the Constitution, which has provided the bedrock for the longest uninterrupted, stable period of free governance in our otherwise turbulent history,” he said.
SENSITIVE
President Akufo-Addo referenced the classical maxim: “Festina lente,”, to wit, “make haste slowly,” and urged the leadership of the NCCE to be sensitive to the demands being expressed in several quarters for wholesale or limited amendments to the 1992 Constitution.
President read out the functions of the NCCE as set out in Article 233, but, singled out Clause C, though he acknowledged all were important.
Clause C states that: “To formulate for the consideration of government, from time to time, programmes at the national, regional and district levels aimed at realising the objectives of this Constitution.”
Since it was established some 30 years ago, the NCCE, according to the President, had done its part in inculcating in citizens awareness of their civil rights, but advised that they could do more in that regard.
The three, who were sworn in, are a Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Victor K. Brobbey, and two members, Simon Ofori Ametepey and Bright Kwabla Agbodeka.
GRATITUDE
On behalf of his colleagues, the newly-sworn in Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Victor K. Brobbey, expressed their gratitude to President, “for giving us the opportunity to serve our nation through the NCCE.”
He acknowledged that the NCCE was an institution of enormous importance, and indicated further that they had no illusions about the extent of the task at the Commission, but gave the assured the President that they would work hard to justify the “confidence reposed in us.”
