NCCE Cape Coast Metro Marks Constitution Week with Public Education on Civic Responsibility, Sanitation, Tax Compliance, and Drug Abuse

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Cape Coast Metropolitan Office, has successfully commemorated this year's Annual Constitution Week celebration with a series of public education programs aimed at promoting responsible citizenship, constitutional awareness, environmental sanitation, tax compliance, and the fight against drug abuse.

As part of the celebration, the office engaged various identifiable groups across the metropolis and participated in two television and radio discussion programs on the theme, "Upholding Our Constitution in a Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility."

During the engagements, citizens were educated on the provisions of Article 41 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the civic responsibilities of every Ghanaian. Participants were reminded of the need to uphold and defend Ghana's Constitution, which has served as the foundation of the country's democratic governance for more than three decades.

The Commission also used the occasion to raise awareness about environmental sanitation. Residents were sensitized to the growing problem of indiscriminate waste disposal in communities, markets, and public spaces. The discussions highlighted plastic waste, including takeaway packs, polythene bags, sachet water wrappers, and plastic bottles, as major contributors to environmental pollution.

Participants also discussed the dangers of dumping refuse into drains, noting that the practice contributes to flooding and increases the risk of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid fever.

Some residents expressed concern over the inadequate provision of waste disposal facilities in their communities. They also complained that refuse containers provided by the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly often remain unemptied for several days after becoming full, creating unpleasant conditions despite the existing "pay-as-you-dump" waste management system.

In response, NCCE officials encouraged residents to adopt the principles of the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—to minimize plastic waste. They also advised community members to maintain clean surroundings by sweeping regularly, desilting drains, and ensuring proper waste disposal. Participants further discussed the need to enforce sanctions against individuals who litter or dump refuse at unauthorized locations.

The Commission also engaged artisans in salons, workshops, and stores, encouraging them to fulfil their tax obligations to support national development. Citizens were urged to cooperate with officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority during tax collection exercises.

Another key issue discussed during the celebration was the increasing incidence of drug abuse among the youth. Participants were educated on laws relating to drug abuse and its harmful effects on individuals and society. Commercial tricycle (Pragya) drivers, in particular, were cautioned against the use of hard drugs, with officials stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users.

Participants across all the identifiable groups commended the NCCE for its continuous civic education efforts and appealed for more public sensitization programs to be organized within their communities.

In all, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Office successfully conducted seventeen public education programs as part of this year's Annual Constitution Week celebration.