President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged citizens to embrace the fundamental values of the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of democratic accountability, respect for the rule of law, human rights, individual liberty, and freedom.
In his message commemorating Constitution Day on January 7, 2024, President Akufo-Addo highlighted these values as crucial foundations for national development and individual prosperity.
He stressed the vision of a free society, where citizens not only enjoy freedom but also actively contribute to the greater good of society with a sense of responsibility. The President underscored the idea that true freedom entails a balance between liberty and duty, as well as a commitment to both hard work and compassion. “No society can be truly free unless its citizens feel the need to embrace both liberty and duty, hard work and compassion,” he noted.
Constitution Day in Ghana is a statutory public holiday, commemorating the effective implementation of the 1992 Constitution and the establishment of the Fourth Republic. The day serves to acknowledge the nation’s collective efforts in upholding democracy, the rule of law, and constitutional principles. It also reinforces the citizens’ commitment to sustaining a continuous constitutional order.
Reflecting on Ghana’s position as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa, President Akufo-Addo called on the people to be inspired by the celebration of Constitution Day, emphasizing the need to preserve the country’s enviable status. He urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to unite in safeguarding the longevity of the Fourth Republic, which has surpassed the duration of its three predecessors cut short by military interventions.
Addressing the importance of the December 7 General Election, the President emphasized the collective interest in ensuring fair and transparent polls, with a call for respect for election rules and regulations, regardless of the outcome. He highlighted the significance of elections in sustaining democracies and reminded citizens of their duty to participate in the electoral process, reinforcing the sanctity of the ballot.