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.