Governments undermine NCCE operations

January 24, 2011 Accra , Jan. 24, GNA - Governments since 1996 have covertly undermined the operational mandate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) while overtly touting democratic achievements, Ghana News Agency investigations on Monday revealed.

GNA investigations indicate that instead of the full complement of seven Commissioners, NCCE for some years now is being governed by only three Commissioners in direct contravention of the 1992 Constitution.

According to documents obtained by GNA, a Commissioner resigned in 1996, two attained the constitutionally mandated compulsory retirement age in 2008 and the death of another in July 2009.

Article 232 of the Constitution states that, "The Commission shall consist of a Chairman, two Deputy Chairmen and four other members; who shall be appointed by the President acting on the advice of the Council of State.

GNA investigations established that on December 10, 2008, the Commission wrote to inform then President John Agyekum Kufuor of vacancies available at NCCE and requested the appointment of officers to complete the legal requirements of the external Commissioners.

In September 2009, the Commission again through the Office of the Chief of Staff wrote to notify President John Evans Atta Mills, "that with these vacancies, the Commission cannot satisfy the constitutional and statutory requirement of monthly meetings as Commissioners".

It would appear, however, that so far the petitions of the NCCE are yet to generate any reaction from the Executive.

Article 233 of the 1992 Constitution mandates the Commission to create and sustain within the society the awareness of the principles and objectives of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the people of Ghana; and educate and encourage the public to defend the Constitution at all times, against all forms of abuse and violation.

Other mandates are: to formulate for the consideration of Government, from time to time, programmes at the national, regional and district levels aimed at realising objectives of the Constitution.

To formulate, implement and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Ghana awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people.

GNA