NCCE steps up efforts to consolidate nation’s democratic gains

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is intensifying its civic education initiatives and collaborations with vital partners to bolster Ghana's democratic progress. The commission's chairperson, Kathleen Addy, emphasized that the NCCE can only enhance the impact of its work through close partnerships with the media and other stakeholders.

Ms Addy highlighted the NCCE's objective to ensure Ghanaians comprehend the country's democratic foundations, their rights and duties, and how they can contribute to holding public officials accountable. Speaking at an event in Accra on the theme "Strengthening Civic Education through Strategic Partnerships," she underscored that civic education is crucial for Ghana's democratic journey, especially in safeguarding the freedoms enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.

Noting that the nation has achieved significant advancements since returning to constitutional rule, including expanded media freedom and more opportunities for citizen participation, Ms Addy urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and responsible in protecting these democratic gains. She highlighted the NCCE's significant reliance on the media to amplify its messages and engage citizens nationwide, stating, "We can succeed in something, but if we don't have reach, if we don't have the media to amplify the things that we do, we will not be as impactful as we can be."

Ms Addy acknowledged the media's pivotal role in Ghana's democratic evolution, providing citizens with platforms to voice their opinions, covering elections, and holding public officials accountable. However, she stressed the necessity for the media to maintain journalistic integrity, particularly in an era rife with misinformation and disinformation that can fuel political discord and erode trust in public institutions.

She cautioned against the dissemination of false reports, manipulated audio, altered videos, and deepfake content, warning that such material can exacerbate political tensions and undermine confidence in governmental bodies.

The NCCE Chairperson emphasized that Ghana's democratic gains are a result of years of hard work and must be preserved by every citizen. She committed to continuing collaborations with the media and other stakeholders to deepen civic education and encourage active participation in democratic processes. Ms Addy also called for a critical examination of how citizens and institutions utilize their constitutional freedoms, emphasizing the goal of fostering a culture of accountability, responsible engagement, and respect for constitutional principles.

The NCCE, established under the 1992 Constitution and Act 452 of 1993, is tasked with promoting and sustaining Ghana's democracy by raising awareness of citizens' rights and responsibilities through civic education.