Accra, Ghana – On May 9, the CA Foundation, in collaboration with Alicia Global, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), and the National Alliance of Ghana Law Students, hosted a significant Constitutional Literacy Engagement at the Senior Correctional Centre in Roman Ridge. The event aimed to foster responsible citizenship and democratic values among approximately 100 inmates and correctional officers.
Promoting Rights and Responsibilities
The core of the initiative featured a compelling session led by Her Ladyship Justice Akosua Christopher. She delivered an in-depth address focusing on Fundamental Human Rights, the duties of citizens, and the constitutional safeguards available to all individuals, including those within correctional facilities.
Justice Christopher underscored the importance of human dignity and lawful conduct, emphasizing that understanding and adhering to the 1992 Constitution is crucial for every Ghanaian. She explicitly stated that constitutional rights remain intact for individuals residing in correctional institutions, stressing the need for their respect and protection under Ghanaian law.
Encouraging the inmates, Her Ladyship highlighted education and civic awareness as vital instruments for personal transformation, successful reintegration into society, and overall growth.
Understanding the Constitution
Celestine Addo, Executive Director of the CA Foundation, provided foundational knowledge to the inmates. She explained the nature of the Constitution, its historical development, and practical guidance on how to interpret its provisions.
Addo also elaborated on the concept of Ghanaian citizenship and articulated why the Constitution holds relevance for every citizen. She expressed gratitude to all partners, sponsors, and volunteers for their contributions to the program’s success.
The CA Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to making constitutional literacy accessible to all Ghanaians, irrespective of their circumstances or background.
Collaborative Civic Engagement
Mawuli Agbenu, Greater Accra Regional Director of the NCCE, commended the CA Foundation for extending civic education beyond conventional settings to reach vulnerable populations. He detailed the NCCE’s constitutional mandate to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities, thereby deepening democratic participation and promoting constitutional awareness nationwide.
Agbenu noted that the partnership with the CA Foundation aligns with a shared objective of cultivating an informed and responsible society through robust civic education. He praised the Foundation’s innovative approach to community engagement in strengthening constitutional consciousness among youth and inmates.
Interactive Learning and Support
The engagement featured interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions, fostering active participation from both inmates and law student volunteers. Civic education exhibitions further enhanced the learning experience.
The CA Foundation acknowledged the support of sponsors including iCann Technologies Incorporated, Party & More, Leeway Construction, and Fresh Drops, alongside volunteers from the Ghana School of Law. This support is part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to social impact and humane rehabilitation.
In a gesture of support, the Foundation donated essential items to the inmates. The Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Yussif Adam, also contributed street lights to enhance safety and security within the correctional centre and its environs.
Individual donors, including His Lordship Justice Nana Oppong Barima Yaw Okodie (J.A), Mr Osei Poku, and Mr Theophilus Berchie, also provided crucial support for the event.
Looking Ahead
The CA Foundation reiterated its vision to cultivate a generation of informed, responsible, and civically aware citizens through sustained constitutional education and community outreach programs across Ghana. The success of this engagement signals a growing trend in extending vital civic knowledge to often-overlooked segments of society, potentially influencing rehabilitation outcomes and future community engagement strategies.
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