Citizens Lack Courage to Resist Dictators - Minister

THE LONG period of despotic and dictatorial governance which saw Ghanaians being held to ransom in an atmosphere of intimidation and harassment has been traced to the apathy of the governed to resist attempts at constitutional violation.

"All over the years, previous constitutions have been violated with impunity by those at the helm of affairs because Ghanaians lacked the courage to criticise those in authority for their wrongdoing," so observed Agyei Duffour, Deputy Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, at this year's regional launching of the 2002 Constitutional Week at Pormaa Ahenkro.

He noted that it takes time for dictators to grow into monsters and they become such "only if their fellow citizens choose to sleep over their birthrights as we did as Ghanaians over the years."

Duffour therefore challenged Ghanaians to rise up against all moves by politicians to violate any aspect of the constitution, adding that no matter how good a constitution may be, it will still remain a dead and useless piece of document if those whose interest it is meant to protect choose to be apathetic and allow a few people at the helm of affairs to violate it.

He again urged Ghanaians to be alert at all times to prevent any move to reverse our current democratic dispensation, adding that the NPP is committed to ensuring good governance which involves accountability, transparency, tolerance and effective participation.

Nana Agyei Ampofo, a legal practitioner who presented a paper on "Cultural Values and Good Governance," identified attributes of good governance to include effective management of the economy, corruption-free administration, good international relations, an effective security systems and free judicial system.

The Brong Ahafo regional director of National Commision on Civic Education (NCCE), Mr. Kusi Aborah, urged teachers, nananom and opinion leaders to always initiate and discuss topics of civic interest with their people to keep them informed of their civic rights and responsibilities, which, he said, is the only way the masses can contribute to good governance.

He urged the church in particular to devote one sermon every month to teaching civic education to their members.