Accra, June 17, GNA – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sworn into office Ms. Kathleen Addy as the substantive Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
Ms. Addy, until her appointment, was a deputy chairperson of the Commission. She assumed the position following the resignation of her predecessor, Madam Josephine Nkrumah, who took up an ECOWAS appointment.
At a swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House, Accra, President Akufo-Addo charged the chairperson to build a strong culture of awareness among Ghanaians of their civic responsibilities and duties.
This, he said, had become expedient “especially at this time when some irresponsible elements within the body politics are calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order.”
The President described as irrelevant the call by some for the abolition of the Commission on the premise that the institution was not effective in the discharge of its mandate.
He stated that the Commission, since its establishment 30 years, had helped Ghanaians “recognize the path of their civil rights even though it can still do much better,” adding that he was of the conviction that the NCCE was relevant and had a key role play in establishing a culture of awareness in the country.
President Akufo-Addo charged the NCCE Chairperson to fully live up to the constitutional obligations required of the commission and to educate and encourage the citizenry to always defend the constitution.
He gave the assurance that his administration will not interfere with the independence of the NCCE as stipulated in the 1992 constitution.
“I assure you as Chairperson, of governments recognitions of the independence of the NCCE…I need not remind you that you are not subject to the direction of any person or authority in the performance of your function, including myself as the head of the Executive.
“At the same time, I would urge you to pursue stakeholder consultations for the successful fulfillment of the Commission’s mandate,” he said.
Government, the President stated, would continue to provide the needed resources, both technical and financial, to enable the commission effectively to carry out its role in national development.
Ms. Addy thanked the President for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to deliver on her mandate.
“I can assure you that myself, the commissioners and directors and staff of NCCE will do our best in executing our heavy mandate,” she said
GNA