CEC Activities: Youth Participation Key to Ghana’s Democracy

Ghana’s population is described as one of the most youthful, since approximately thirty-eight per cent (38%) are within the age bracket of 15 to 35 as of 2023. Their participation in the governance procedures of the country is thus imperative for the advancement of our democracy. This was the fulcrum of the message that sprang from Dr. Imurana Mohammed, Director of Programmes at the National Commission for Civic Education.

Dr. Mohammed made this statement during the inaugural ceremony of a Civic Education Club (CEC) for students of Hudai Tiwnikli International Senior High School (TINASCO) at Kanda within the Ayawaso East Municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Addressing the students, he highlighted the importance of the youth taking an interest in garnering democratic knowledge and its application in everyday life, good societal values, discipline, and perseverance. While swearing in the executives of the Club, the Director charged them to be good ambassadors. “Live your lives such that your contemporaries, both in school and in your various homes, would find your lifestyles worthy to emulate”, he added.

Present was the Municipal Director of the Ayawaso East Office of the Commission, Ms. Portia Akpene Adjakrah, who underscored the significance of Civic Education Clubs in promoting constitutional literacy among young people. She explained that these clubs serve as platforms for deepening youth understanding of democratic principles and their role in nation-building.

The Municipal Director emphasised that students must recognise their potential as future leaders who are expected to contribute to Ghana's democratic consolidation and national stability.

The ceremony received overwhelming support from the school’s management, with the Head Teacher, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Botchway, reaffirming the school's commitment and support for the Civic Education Club. The event served as a valuable introduction to civic teachings and awareness among the student body.

Dr. Imurana Mohammed, on behalf of the Commission, presented copies of the 1992 Fourth (4^th) Republican Constitution of Ghana, which is the basic operational material for the Club, imploring them to religiously imbibe its content.

The inaugural ceremony also featured a comprehensive training program in basic first aid facilitated by a representative from the National Ambulance Service.