Editorial
Promoting constitutionalism is key in our national life
Society is made up of individuals and groups of people whose interests may be similar or different from one another.
However, to ensure social progress, laws are made in different forms to regulate all activities in the country, so that the interest of all individuals will be guaranteed. At the same time, the laws whether at national or community levels are meant to hold the country together and promote the common interest of everyone.
By constitutionalism, we refer to keeping to the practice and tenets of the 1992 Constitution, bylaws and rules, and ensure that all behaviour falls in line with the fundamental law of the land.
It is for this reason that the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) carries out special programmes every year to promote National Constitutional Week in the country for everyone to appreciate the importance of constitutionalism.
The National Constitution Week, which starts from April 28 to May 4, was instituted in 2001 by the NCCE to ensure that the Constitution becomes a living document embossed on the minds and hearts of Ghanaians in pursuit of democracy and good governance.
April 28 was adopted as the commencement date for the activities because that was the day a National Referendum was held to endorse the Constitution in 1992.
The NCCE uses the occasion to create an increased and sustained interest and participation of all Ghanaians in the democratic dispensation for the achievement of good governance, social and political stability for national unity and development.
In a democratic society such as Ghana, keeping to the tenets of constitutionalism is what is needed to ensure that problems are resolved in the most acceptable way in line with the laws of the land.
Constitutionalism protects everybody and ensures that even those who flout the law are given the opportunity to defend themselves before being made to face any punishment, if they so deserve.
The Constitutional Week promoted by the NCCE must not be taken for granted but vigorously pursued in all parts of the country in the interest and protection of everyone irrespective of status, ethnic background, religious characteristic and so on.
At the same time, going by the laws of the land gives us the opportunity to resolve all problems in a peaceful manner according to law. This prevents a situation where misguided military men may find it necessary to intervene in politics and disturb the constitutional order.
This is how as a nation we can develop along a smooth path of peace and smooth socioeconomic progress.
The NCCE must be supported to carry out all the activities marking the Constitutional Week as well as implementing other programmes meant to promote the constitutional order for the common good of Ghanaians.
This is what we are all looking for to promote better quality life in line with democracy, freedom and liberties as well as smooth political life in the country.
Dear Editor,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
