Accra, April 5, GNA - The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) on Tuesday outlined national and regional activities for the celebration of the 5th Constitution Week from April 28 to May 4. The celebration, on the general theme: "Reducing Poverty Through Citizens' Participation in Local Government," would be used as a platform for the entrenchment of democratic politicking and enhancement of citizen's participation in multi-party democratic governance, Mr Laary Bimi, NCCE Chairman, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra.

He said the programme would start with media briefing; reading of civic messages in Churches, Mosques, Shrines and educational institutions, lectures, adult education in six local languages on television and a replication of activities in the communities.

He said the entire Ghanaian community would use the period to participate in discussions, debates, theatre performances and other activities on the Constitution to ensure that it continued to be a living document written on the heart and mind of the people for the sustenance of democracy and good governance.

Pupils of some second cycle schools would also engage in singing and constitutional game competitions.

Mr Bimi said these activities would precede the inaugural lecture at the Accra International Conference Centre on April 28.

He said citizens must be inspired to participate in the democratic system holistically in an informed way, adding: "Indeed the vision of Ghana to become a middle-income nation can only be attained when there is an informed citizenry, that can participate meaningfully in all aspects of the socio-economic and political life of the country."

Other activities lined up for the week include forums for fishermen, farmers, the disabled in society, inter tertiary institutions debates, drama, and concert party show on governance on television. The NCCE Chairman said the role of the security services in local government structures would be further strengthened with their involvement in the celebration through durbars for the Armed Forces; Police Service; Ghana Immigration Service; Ghana National Fire Service; Custom, Excise and Preventive Service and Prison Service.

The regional activities would include, radio talk-shows, procession and route marches, quiz competitions among selected second cycle schools, reading of constitutional messages in churches, stakeholders forums at the district level, clean up exercises, drama performances and football matches.

The NCCE Chairman appealed to the media to be involved in the programme of activities to sensitise and educate the general public on the Constitution and how it functions affected them.