By William Yaw Owusu
Wednesday May 5, 2010
The Chairman of the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE),Laari Bimi says there is no rule of law in Ghana.
“I do not think there is rule of law in this country because if there is, people particularly those in high places would not commit crimes and indulge in wrongdoings with impunity.”
Mr. Bimi was speaking at the 10th Annual Constitution Week at Burma Camp, the Military Headquarters in Accra yesterday.
The lecture which was organized by Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) was under the theme ‘The role of the Ghana Armed Forces in enhancing constitutionalism through effective citizens’ participation for good governance.’
The NCCE bss said that those whose mandate it is to enforce the law had made it look as if it is only the poor and the vulnerable that could be punished for wrongdoing adding “people particularly the powerful in Ghana persistently flout the law and get away with it.”
He said for instance that there was a time in the history of the United States of America where President Bush’s daughter was fined by a court for drink driving but said “this cannot happen in Ghana. The law enforcer would not be allowed to enforce the law.”
He said “we have politicians who promise sun and moon and when they win power you cannot believe they are the same people.”
The 1992 Constitution has well defined parameters for the country to grow but until we make rule of law work to the letter and spirit we cannot succeed and move this country to where we want it to be”.
He said the insecurity in the nation had been heightened by the numerous chieftaincy disputes and conflicts and needed to be tackled head on, saying “our traditional system is under siege and we are pretending that everything is normal.”
Mr. Bimi also said widespread corruption had brought endemic poverty and called on the government to strengthen the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be able to stem the tide, saying “we cannot promote good governance if we persistently elevate an elitist society.”
“Due to corrupt practices, development is not forthcoming as expected. There is no housing for the people. Citizens continue to sleep on the streets. Where is the good governance?”
He also complained about the way and manner the media is being misused saying “we are in a country where rumour has become the order of the day. There would be a time when there would be a social revolution if we do not stop they way we are running the country”
He said the time has come for the military to reposition itself to be able to take up the challenges that is confronting the nation.
Wing Commander A.G. Asamoa of the Ghana Armed Forces Legal Department in his lecture said the numerous chieftaincy conflicts in the country are posing a threat to the security and stability of the nation.
He however said the chieftaincy institution had survived the test of time and it was unthinkable for anybody to suggest that the institution should be abolished.
“Chieftaincy cannot be abolished. It has existed for centuries and many people owe allegiance to the institution. If anybody makes attempts to abolish it there will be conflagration.”
Wg. Cdr. Asamoa also noted that even though the military had preyed on the various constitutions, “there is a consensus that the 1992 Constitution must stay.”
“Democratic rule is the best and the GAF has the responsibility to protect the constitution. It is a responsibility which should not be underrated.”
He urged military personnel to continue to exhibit professionalism by showing impartiality, equity and treat all ethnic groups equally.
“We should help the citizens to participate in the democratic process by ensuring that there is stability in the country. We should not take sides and help one group gain undue advantage over the others in an electoral process.”
Also see: www.dailyguideghana.com
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