Tema: The Tema Metro Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised its third edition of a constitutional quiz competition for security agencies within the metropolis. The event, organised with support from the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), aimed at promoting civic awareness and deepening understanding of constitutional and democratic principles among security personnel, was held under the theme ‘Ghana’s Future: Our Collective Responsibility’. The competition saw the participation of various security agencies, although the Ghana Police Service was unable to honour the invitation to participate.
According to Ghana News Agency, the quiz, chaired by Mrs. Comfort Aniagyei, the Chief Executive Officer of Freeminds Communications Limited, covered a wide range of topics. These included selected chapters of the constitution, the functions of the participating security agencies, and international and current affairs. The topics were carefully chosen to test participants’ knowledge and empower them to defend the constitution against all forms of abuse and violations.
Mr. Mawuli Agbenu, Greater Accra Regional Director of the NCCE, representing Ms. Kathleen Addy, Chairperson of the NCCE, emphasised the importance of security officers being well-informed about constitutional matters. He noted their crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights. He highlighted that the constitutional week celebration, established in 2001 to mark Ghana’s return to constitutional democracy, aims to deepen knowledge of the constitution and ensure commitment to it, stressing the need for Ghanaians to contribute to the country’s development without corruption.
Ms. Gifty Agyeiwaa Badu, the Tema Metropolitan Director of the NCCE, reiterated that the initiative formed part of the Commission’s flagship programmes held in connection with the 1992 Constitution Week celebration, commemorated annually by the NCCE. This aims to encourage the study of the 1992 Constitution among security agencies, promote civic education and awareness, foster a deeper understanding of democracy and nation-building, and test the knowledge of personnel on the 1992 Constitution. She expressed concern that although the Ghana Police Service participated in the maiden edition, it has not been part of the subsequent editions, hoping for their future participation.
Mr. Issac Ashai Odamtten, Tema East Member of Parliament (MP), commended the NCCE for its commendable work, noting that the competition would foster a strong foundation for Ghana’s democracy. He mentioned that this initiative would enhance collaboration and unity among the security agencies and serve as a positive example for students witnessing the programme, encouraging them to learn from the competition as they anticipate the inter-school debate.
Students from secondary educational institutions, including Manhean Senior High Technical School, Chemu Senior High School, Tema Industrial Mission Vocational School, OLAMS, and Tema Methodist Senior High School, attended the competition as an audience. At the conclusion of the keenly contested event, the Ghana Immigration Service emerged as winners with 58 points. The Ghana Navy secured the second position with 57 points, while the Ghana National Fire Service received 34 points, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority had 31 points. The teams were awarded plaques, certificates of participation, and copies of the 1992 constitution.