Apremdo(W/R), May 16, GNA - Mr Kwaku Baa Owusu, Western Regional Director of the National Commission For Civic Education (NCCE), on Tuesday called on Ghanaians to respect and protect the 1992 Constitution to deepen democracy in the country.

He made the call when addressing a forum on national development organised by the Western Regional Secretariat of the NCCE for officers and men of the Second Battalion of Infantry at Apremdo near Takoradi. Mr Baa Owusu said commitment to the letter and spirit of the Constitution was the only way to ensure that national development agenda was propelled by patriotism and national interest.

He said although military personnel could not express their political views openly, they could participate in objective discussions on national issues.

Mr Baa Owusu said, "The military, like all other institutions, has the right to contribute to shaping the development paradigm of the nation so long as it conforms to constitutional and service regulations."

He said the military was already contributing to national development by defending the country's territorial sovereignty and ensuring that peace was maintained in the society to promote of high productivity and tolerance. 16 May 06