2. Article 41(k): Duties of a citizen (Page 4)

“It shall be the duty of every citizen to protect and safeguard the environment.”

This article personalises environmental responsibility. It moves beyond government policy to citizen accountability, making every Ghanaian a guardian of the environment. From household sanitation and waste management to community tree planting and water conservation, this clause frames stewardship as a moral and civic obligation. In the context of mentorship for men and boys, it teaches that being a responsible man means protecting the environment as part of one’s service to God and country.

3. Article 269: Establishment of the Natural Resources Commission

“There shall be established such Commissions as the Forest Commission, the Lands Commission, the Fisheries Commission and the Water Resources Commission, which shall be responsible for the regulation and management of the utilization of the natural resources of

Ghana and the coordination of policies in relation to them.”

Article 269 institutionalises environmental responsibility. It ensures governance structures exist to oversee the sustainable management of Ghana’s natural endowments. This provision shows that the constitution not only preaches stewardship but provides mechanisms for accountability and oversight.

It reminds citizens that responsible engagement with natural resources requires transparency, regulation, and ethical leadership — echoing Qur’anic principles of khalīfah (stewardship) over the earth (Qur’an 6:165).

6. Social and Civic responsibility

The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

Civic responsibility means obeying laws, promoting peace, and working for community welfare.

Ghana’s progress depends on disciplined, visionary men who lead with integrity and service. As Peter Sarpong (1999) notes in Peoples Differ, morality is the bedrock of true leadership.

Corruption, greed, and apathy weaken nations; honesty and humility strengthen them.

Responsible citizens must participate actively voting wisely, paying taxes faithfully, mentoring youth, and joining initiatives such as the National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise to keep our environment healthy. Every act of service, from sweeping our streets to preserving honesty in public life, reflects our duty to Allah and country. Indeed, every good citizen is a silent builder of a great nation.

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai

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