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The challenge for civic engagement is the enforcement of
the law
Koforidua, Sept. 2, Ghanadot/GNA - Mr Quaye Sowah, Eastern
Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic
Education (NCCE), says the greatest challenge to civic
engagement in Ghana is the gap between education and
enforcement, a development that some people interpret to
mean that they can breach rules and escape punishment.
He said many of the breaches in Ghana’s political arena, for
instance, could have been done away with were people
punished to serve as deterrent to others.
In an interview with the GNA in Koforidua on Monday, Mr
Sowah said were all infractions of the law prosecuted, the
assumption by many people that they could also engage
wrongful acts without ever being charged would have abated.
He said as long as this gap existed it did not only make the
work of NCCE field officers difficult, it as well
complicated efforts being made to imbibe in the public a
greater sense of responsibility for the public good.
Mr Sowah said currently, some political entities are using
the disguise of keep fit activities to canvass for votes
without notifying the police, a situation that could turn
messy when the various keep fit clubs clash on the same
route.
He said although the political actors involved knew what
they must do in such situations they have refused to comply
because they are aware that they would not be held liable.
Mr Sowah said in such situations a scenario of duplicity
occurs when the same public, which is being told to obey the
rules, realizes that some leading members of the society
flout the same rules and are not punished, thus serving as
an incentive to others to breach the rules.
On the readiness of the region in ensuring violent-free
elections, he said much is being done to enable the populace
appreciate the need to care about the electoral process and
fully participate in the democratic rules of electing
suitable leaders.
He said the NCCE is working with some radio stations in the
region to enable it reach a wider audience with its message
of harmony and peaceful conduct of the December election.
GNA
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