NCCE Must be Well Resourced to Fulfill Civic Mandate – NCCE Spokesperson
The National Commission for Civic Education needs reliable funding to strengthen civic education and democracy in Ghana.
The spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, has voiced strong concern over the government's decision to reject a proposed funding plan for the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE). The Constitutional Review Committee had recommended establishing a Democracy Fund to bolster the NCCE’s capacity to educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities.
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu argued that ordinary legislation alone cannot meet the NCCE’s operational needs, stressing that reliable financial support is essential for the institution to effectively promote civic knowledge across the country. He highlighted that insufficient funding risks undermining the Commission’s crucial role in embedding democratic values and citizen accountability.
The official also expressed reservations about extending the presidential term from four to five years, stating that a four-year cycle should suffice for any government to deliver impact if institutions function properly. He noted that while the proposal was approved in principle through government paperwork, the justification lacked sufficient public rationale.
Furthermore, he voiced support for creating an Anti-Corruption and Ethics Commission but emphasized that existing oversight bodies must first be strengthened before new structures are introduced.
