Former President Jerry John Rawlings has called on Ghanaians to eschew social and economic vices and imbue themselves with the spirit of patriotism since it was key to national unity.

He said the high level of “indiscipline, lies, corruption, cheating and injustice” growing in both private and public spheres did not augur well for the social and economic progress of the nation.

The former president made the call in an address to members of the United Cadres Front in Accra on Monday, as part of activities marking the 34th Anniversary of June 4.

Representatives from the various regions shared their thoughts on a variety of issues including the need to uphold the tenets of probity, accountability, sincerity, hard work and discipline.

Former President Rawlings urged Ghanaians to jealously guard the constitution while defending the rights of ordinary people and appealed for a reflection on the values and principles of June 4 that sought to restore the dignity of people and make lives better.

He enjoined everybody to work selflessly towards social and economic justice in the nation and expressed unhappiness at the behavior of some chiefs and political leaders who have taken over state lands and property.

Former President Rawlings also called on relevant institutions and authorities, to ensure that foreigners adhered to the laws of the land, decrying that, lawlessness and indiscipline were growing in the society.

He asked all citizens to respect one another and muster the courage to speak against wrongdoing saying “if you don’t have the spirit of boldness to defy what is wrong there can never be truth.”