The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Kathleen Addy has given a perfect definition for the 25-year reign of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
In her words, the reign of His Majesty “has been 25 years of admirable work that as a country we are proud of”.
“All of us are so proud to have you and so congratulations and we wish you all the best,” she said on her maiden visit to the Manhyia Palace and on her first personal encounter with the King.
She was with the leadership of her commission including Samuel A. Akuamoah, Deputy Chairman in Charge of Operations, Victor K. Brobbey, Deputy Chairman in Charge of Finance & Administration, Hajara Mohammed Rufai, a member of the commission and others to revive the lost bond between the commission and the Manhyia Palace, introduce herself to the King and pay her respects.
The visit to the Palace was also to announce to the King plans to host this year’s edition of the Constitution Week in Kumasi under the theme, “Together We Can Build Ghana So Let’s Get Involved”.
She explained, “Our theme this year, even though is a coincidence, really meets the occasion because here we are on the 25th Anniversary of your rule. Here we are in a year that is so divisive- an election year in Ghana. This is a time when we need to remind ourselves of the unity.”
“In 2012 you graced our platform by giving the inaugural speech for our democracy and week celebrations. That was when the commission was headed by Madam Charlotte Osei and so we know that the Constitution Week is not strange to you. We will host it in Asanteman.”
Welcoming her and her team, Otumfuo stressed the need for enhanced civic education among the youth and in schools
“Civic education is paramount to sensitise people about their responsibilities to develop the country. This mandate has been given to you. It’s not a matter of partisanship. Previously there was Civic Education in the curriculum but that has been scrapped. Students were taught their responsibilities, rights and other important elements in schools but they are no more. Engage the Education Ministry to reinstate it.
“Today, people engage in all manner of behaviours because they think they are free to do them. The land is for all of us. No one is above the law. Being part of Ghana doesn’t give you the right to do what you want. Everyone is entitled to their freedom; however, it has limitations.”
One of the ways His Majesty suggested to get civic education closer to the youth was the distribution of copies of the constitution to students across the country.
“Some people have no idea what is in the constitution. With your meagre revenue allocation, how do you get copies of the constitution to students? They must be made available to schools for teachers to teach. If your regulations permit, collaborate with companies and other stakeholders to get some funds to print and distribute. The Ghana Bar Association, mining companies and other institutions may be of help. If you can get civic education closer to the youth, illegal mining and other unacceptable ventures would be controlled.”
Source: Manhyia Palace
