In part two of my series on the ideal envisaged by our forebears, which ideal finds expression in the 1992 Constitution, I do a brief reminder of a critical element needed for building a sound country. I keep a focus on the Directive Principles of State Policy set forth in chapter six of the Constitution. The framers of the Constitution were clear in expressing what embodies the true aspirations of Ghanaians in article 35(5) and (6)(a) thus:

(5) The State shall actively promote the integration of the peoples of Ghana and prohibit discrimination and prejudice on the grounds of place of origin, circumstances of birth, ethnic origin, gender or religion, creed or other beliefs.

(6) Towards the achievement of the objectives stated in clause (5) of this article, the State shall take appropriate measures to -

(a) foster a spirit of loyalty to Ghana that overrides sectional, ethnic and other loyalties;

The constitutional imperative is that what is contained in this chapter “shall guide all citizens, Parliament, the President, the Judiciary, the Council of State, the Cabinet, political parties and other bodies and persons in applying or interpreting this Constitution or any other law and in taking and implementing any policy decisions, for the establishment of a just and free society.”

I do not intend to embark on any sermonization. This is only a reminder of the need for leaders of the country to commit to delivering the mandatory requirements of the aspiration to consciously and actively promote oneness and avoid all forms of discriminatory practices and acts.

It is okay to blame especially political leaders for doing practically nothing to actualise and realise this ideal for Ghana, but it is also the duty of citizens to consciously play their various roles; public, private, official and unofficial to foster a spirit of loyalty to Ghana that overrides sectional, ethnic and other loyalties.

Let’s all put our hands to the plow to promote this noble ideal that will give us the pride to be Ghanaian.

We should elect as originators and individuals to shun those preaching and encouraging intolerance, partisanship and sectionalism at the expense of these values envisaged to ensure a healthy a country of happy and patriotic citizens.

May the ideal in article 35(5) and (6)(a) never be lost on us but guide our every action.

Samson Lardy ANEYNINI

October 13, 2018