The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ms. Kathleen Addy has highlighted the importance of continuous civic engagement and the role of young people in ensuring Peaceful elections in shaping the future of Ghana’s democracy.
Ms. Addy’s remarks underscore the need for citizens to hold elected officials accountable throughout their tenure, not just during election periods.
She emphasized that politicians tend to think in four-year cycles because they are assessed on that basis. However, she insists that citizens must adopt a different mindset, one that ensures elected representatives are held accountable from the first day in office.
Citizen Accountability and Election Cycles
Ms. Addy stressed that the traditional approach, where citizens only hold politicians accountable during election years, is counterproductive.
“The day you elect somebody to represent you, that is the day you begin to actively hold the person accountable and make sure that they deliver for you what they promised up until the fourth year”.
Ms. Kathleen Addy, NCCE Chairperson
Ms. Addy argues that it is essential for politicians to remain committed to their promises and responsibilities throughout their term, rather than focusing solely on re-election efforts during the final year.
The Role of Civic Education Clubs
Ms. Addy highlighted the importance of Civic Education Clubs in schools, which serve as a vital tool for engaging young people. The NCCE has established over 5,000 such clubs across Ghana in secondary and tertiary institutions.
“These clubs play a crucial role in fostering civic responsibility among the youth, encouraging them to become active participants in the democratic process. The clubs are also instrumental in promoting a deeper understanding of the political system and the importance of accountability.”
Ms. Kathleen Addy, NCCE Chairperson
Ms Addy emphasized that these clubs were initially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted their activities. However, efforts are being made to revive them, with recent engagements in schools being part of this revitalization effort.
As part of its efforts to rejuvenate civic education, the NCCE, in collaboration with the European Union, organized a Civic Festival for Civic Education Club members in ten senior high schools in Greater Accra.
According to Ms. Addy, last year NNCE festival provided a platform for students to express their understanding of civic issues through art, drama, dance, and other creative forms.
The festival focused on four key thematic areas: money in politics, religious tolerance, misinformation and fake news, and violence during election seasons.
Ms. Addy noted that the festival was more than just an educational event; it was a celebration of civic responsibility.
“The best way to learn is not necessarily through looking at what you need to do in a book. That must be reinforced by things you see, things that stimulate you in different ways.”
Ms. Kathleen Addy, NCCE Chairperson
The event aimed to engage students in a way that would make the lessons more impactful and long-lasting. One of the key challenges identified by Addy is the perceived lack of patriotic values among young people. She believes that patriotism and good citizenship are not inherent qualities but must be taught and nurtured.
“Nobody is born a good citizen. Nobody’s born a patriot. You have to teach people these things”, she emphasized.
Ms Addy advocates for a more proactive approach to instilling these values, particularly in the younger generation, who make up a significant portion of the electorate.
Despite concerns that many young people feel disillusioned with the current political system, Addy remains optimistic. Ms. Addy argued that democracy is not an easy process, and it requires active participation from all citizens.
She encouraged young people to engage with the system rather than disengage, using the existing structures to hold leaders accountable and drive positive change.
Ms. Addy pointed out the crucial role of civic education and continuous engagement in fostering a robust democracy in Ghana.
Ms. Addy called on citizens, particularly the youth, to take an active role in holding their leaders accountable and ensuring that the democratic process is not just a four-year cycle but a continuous journey towards national development.
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