REMAIN LOYAL TO THE 1992 CONSTITUTION-NCCE TO ARMED FORCES

The Deputy Chairman of the NCCE, in charge of Operations, Mr. Samuel Asare Akuamoah, has called on the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to continue to remain loyal to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and uphold it as it had done over the past three decades, to deepen the country's democracy and maintain its enviable peace and stability. Mr. Samuel Asare Akuamoah, Chairman made the call when he addressed some officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces at its headquarters, Burma Camp in Accra. The meeting forms part of activities to commemorate this year's Constitution Week.

The Constitution Week celebration is one of the flagship programmes instituted in 2001 by the NCCE to commemorate the country's return to democratic rule. It is among other things, to create and sustain awareness of the principles and objectives of the 1992 Constitution to deepen and sustain Ghana's democracy. The week is dedicated to intensifying public sensitisation on national unity, peace, patriotism and other civic-centred programmes. The theme for the 2023 Constitution Week celebration is, "Thirty Years of Consolidating Democracy: Building National Cohesion through Civic Education and Participation in Local Governance".

Mr. Samuel Akuamoah explained that although there are lapses in parts of the 1992 Constitution which prevented it from effectively delivering the required development, the Constitution has also served Ghanaians well in the past 30 years. He praised the Ghana Armed Forces for playing a critical role in maintaining constitutional rule for the past three decades despite the 1992 Constitution's failings. "In operating this Constitution this far, we cannot downplay your role and I want to emphasise that whatever you have done during these 30 years, you either improve on it or you maintain it because your effort has helped us. You deserve the NCCE’s commendation, and everybody living in Ghana and elsewhere must commend you for this enviable feat," he said.

The Director General of Human Resources of Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier-General Michael Opoku said the Armed Forces is “happy to live in this constitutional era. We are happy to be guided by rules and regulations”. He however, said the military was committed to abiding by the constitution and their obligations to protect the country from external attacks and would consistently do their parts towards the socio-economic development of the country.

Mr. Victor Brobbey, a Deputy Chairperson in charge of Administration and Finance at the NCCE, also cautioned the media on the need for circumspection when reporting on matters of violence involving military personnel and civilians to ensure the harmonious coexistence of the two sides.