NCCE engages customs officers on constitutional duties and national development

The Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on the core principles of the 1992 Constitution and the vital role security personnel play in safeguarding democratic governance.

The engagement formed part of activities marking the 2025 National Constitution Week Celebration and served as a platform to remind security personnel of their constitutional obligations, the importance of upholding democratic values, and the need to foster stronger civilian-security relationships.

Speaking during the session, Ms Juliet Y. Simpey, Deputy Director at the NCCE’s Eastern Regional Office, explained that the annual Constitution Week celebration is a flagship programme designed to promote awareness and understanding of the Constitution among Ghanaians.

She noted that the 2025 theme, “Ghana’s Future: Our Collective Responsibility,” emphasizes the shared role of all citizens—regardless of political, religious, or socio-economic backgrounds—in building a united and prosperous nation.

Ms Simpey highlighted the role of security personnel within Ghana’s democratic framework, particularly under the Fourth Republic, which commenced on January 7, 1993.

“The process for returning to constitutional rule started way back… we must all work together to protect it,” she stressed.

She further stated that the Constitution Week is intended to encourage open dialogue and cooperation among citizens to ensure that Ghana remains a strong democratic example on the continent. Ms Simpey also underscored the importance of engaging the youth in civic education, emphasizing their role as future leaders and their need to adopt democratic values and principles.

“NCCE chose the theme for this year as part of the guiding principles to sustain national unity and cohesion. Foster a sense of collective responsibility among citizens to promote peace, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law,” she added.

She urged security officers to continue championing values such as accountability, patriotism, integrity, discipline, unity, and tolerance—qualities essential for national development.

Ms Simpey called on all citizens to actively participate in civic life, saying such engagement is key to reinforcing democratic governance and ensuring a stable and prosperous future.

Mr Augustine Bosrotsi, Deputy Eastern Regional Director of the NCCE, also addressed the officers, providing an overview of the promulgation of the 1992 Constitution and acknowledging the role of security personnel in maintaining peace and order during the 2024 general elections.

Sector Commander Mrs Mary-Anne Okunor, Assistant Commissioner of the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), praised the efforts of Ghana’s security agencies in upholding peace before, during, and after the 2024 elections. She expressed appreciation to the NCCE for the initiative and recommended that such engagements be held more frequently—ideally on a monthly basis—to reinforce constitutional awareness and civic responsibility.