Give priority to democratic values-Educationist

Ho, Dec. 11, GNA-An Educationist on Saturday suggested that democratic values be taught as a subject in institutions of the military, the judiciary, the media and Senior Secondary Schools as part of efforts to raise awareness on human rights among the populace. Mr. Alexander Ayiih, Headmaster of Taviefe Secondary School made the suggestion at an education forum organized by the Civil Society Coalition on the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) in Ho. He said it was important that people acquired values of respect of the rights of others to enable them to stand up to people or groups who trod on the rights of others.

At the forum, which was to generate discussion on the report of the NRC, abridged versions of the NRC report in English and Ewe were distributed to participants, representing labour, youth, church groups and the media. Miss Rejoice Kasu, a teacher, said human right abuses were still rampant in homes and families and advised that advocacy to stem such abuses should be devoid of political party interests. Mr. Lawrence Aziale, a Lecturer at the Ho Polytechnic said institutions, which should serve as bastion of support for the ordinary man against human rights abuses tend to go along with governments. He said the Police hierarchy, for example, might be tempted to rally personnel in support of government when there is conflict over abuse of rights of individuals opposed to government.

Alhaji Alhassan Abdulai, an official of the Civil Society Coalition said the Coalition was striving to reach every Ghanaian with copies of the abridged version of the NRC report. The Ghana Centre For Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) sponsored the forum.