President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says students participating in the Inter-University quiz/debate should be more interested in knowing why the Constitution came into force as well as its full function.

The president who made this statement at the launch of the maiden edition of the competition said the competition should not just be about who wins.

He said, “it should be about knowing why the Constitution came into force, why it provides guidelines for the functioning of the state and why together we must help ensure that the three arms of government; the executive, the legislature and the judiciary live up to their respective charters and act as checks and balances on each other to prevent abuse of power”.

The president also stated that it was important for all Ghanaians to know and understand the laws that govern the country and “jealously guard the freedom and liberties guaranteed us by the Constitution”.

He added that the study of the Constitution should not be left to only students of various law faculties of universities nor lawyers.

He said, “as active citizens, we must all be interested in the fundamental law of the land and be able to speak to issues regarding our human rights and civic responsibilities”.

He urged the general public to maintain a keen interest in the competition.

The Inter-University Competition forms part of the National Commission for Civic Education’s activities towards Ghana’s 60th Independence celebration and it is under the theme “Restoring our Ghanaian values as active citizens”.

16 universities have been drawn from all ten regions of Ghana to contest in the maiden edition which seeks to promote good citizenship among students.