The thought of history in the past decades can not be left out in our build up for a formidable democratic Governance. Though it sometimes subjects us to sorrow and grief, it is critical in defining the destiny of our dear nation. Series of memorable events transpired leading up to the birth of present day Ghana.
The constitutional amendments of 1960 undermined almost every aspect or principle of what the European form of democracy stood for. e.g multi party democratic state, periodic elections with clearly defined time tenures. These unpopular principles eventually turned Ghana into an authoritarian state with violation of the fundamental rights of Ghanaian citizen.
The principle of rule of law was denied the breath of life and many more unfortunate events. While posing hypocritically—Ghana as the lead crusader in the fight for independence and self governance in sister countries but forgoing the rot in our own country. The result of these events created so much rivalry and opposition in the country leading to the emergence of several Coup d’états, civil unrests and the toppling of Governments.
Down the lane, a band of dedicated comrades went arms with their Leader Flt. Jerry John Rawlings under the umbrella of the Armed forces Revolutionary Council( AFRC) sort in their own wisdom to institute some form of sanity to the political arena and introduce to light the principle of probity and accountability. The battle wasn’t quite an easy one because it received grave opposition and criticisms.
Another successful coup event was orchestrated by the AFRC in the year 1981.This led to the halt of operations within government institutions and by far led to the overthrow of the 1979 constitution. A nine member committee was set up to look into the matters of these reforms which gave birth to the National Commission for Democracy( NCD).
The authority by the PNDC to the NDC in the 1990s to undertake a national survey to collect the views of Ghanaians on the kind of state they desired and wanted was properly executed. In the end, a two hundred fifty eight member committee of experts was instituted to draw up constitutional proposals for further consideration.
A consultative assembly was instituted to draft and after completion make a final submission to the PNDC. The final draft of the constitution was adopted by 8,255,690 citizens constituting 92% through a national referendum seeking to build a more stable and permanent framework for a nascent democracy. It finally got promulgated on the 7th of January 1993.
This day is set aside to remind us about the covenant we made with mother Ghana to be law abiding, respect the rule of law and uphold the tenets of democracy to the highest level. Other amendments adopted subsequently paved way for the progress of our democracy, they embodied a sense of truth and honesty in the direction we seek as a nation.
The constitution seeks to guide the principle of rule of law and protect the fundamental human rights of all Ghanaians. It serves as the bedrock of our everlasting independence and democracy. The pledge to uphold and defend the constitution of Ghana should be a core fabric in our daily lives. The desire to create a decent democratic space is not an act of serendipity, it requires great zeal of nationalism and sense of devotion. I want to use this great opportunity to admonish fellow Ghanaians on this national day to be law abiding and instill in ourselves a sense of responsibility when called or expected of national duty.
The vision of self-government laid in our constitution is dependent on Ghanaians doing the hard and sometimes frustrating— yet essential in our build for a formidable democracy. Being a citizen is a responsibility that challenges each and every one of us to stay informed, committed and speak without fear or favor when injustice prevails because in the wildest thoughts Dr.Martin Luther king, he philosophised that; “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice every where”
Thank you for sharing….I have really learnt a lot