The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) orchestrated a vibrant quiz competition centered around the 1992 Republican Constitution of Ghana. This event, held in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality of the Upper East Region, engaged several basic schools and formed a key part of the 68th Independence Day celebrations. The primary aim was to deepen the understanding of the Constitution among young pupils, nurturing a sense of patriotism and national pride as they mature. The competition attracted a diverse audience, including education stakeholders, local government representatives, media personnel, and NCCE staff, all brought together by the shared goal of fostering civic awareness. The event was a testament to the NCCE’s commitment to its core mandate: promoting constitutional literacy and responsible citizenship.
Madam Ajongbah Felicia, the Municipal Director of NCCE, articulated the driving force behind the quiz competition. Beyond merely enhancing knowledge of the Constitution, the event was designed to spark a genuine interest among students in civic education. She emphasized the NCCE’s responsibility to design and implement programs that cultivate a strong understanding of civic responsibilities, rights, and obligations among Ghanaians. The Constitution itself, she highlighted, provides the framework for civic education as a strategic tool for promoting democratic values, instilling patriotism, and encouraging active citizen participation in governance.
Madam Felicia underscored the theme for the NCCE’s 2025 operational year, “Ghana’s Future: Our Collective Responsibility.” This theme, she explained, carries a profound message: it calls upon all Ghanaians to work together, fostering peace and harmony to secure a brighter future for the nation. The quiz competition resonated perfectly with this theme, demonstrating the importance of early engagement with constitutional principles to build informed and responsible citizens.
Mr. Ayaala James, the Regional Director of NCCE, provided further context to the quiz competition. He emphasized its national scope and its specific targeting of students and pupils. The competition, he explained, aims to instill crucial values like civic responsibility, patriotism, and nationalism – the very foundations of a thriving democratic society. These values, when nurtured from a young age, empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation as a whole.
Local authorities also expressed strong support for the NCCE’s initiative. Mr. Pius Akambe, representing the Municipal Assembly, commended the Commission for organizing such an impactful educational program. He encouraged the NCCE to expand the program’s reach, encompassing more schools within the Municipality and beyond. Such initiatives, he emphasized, are crucial for building a strong civic foundation among the youth, ensuring the continued growth and stability of the nation’s democratic processes.
The competition itself involved four basic schools from the Municipality: Namolo Junior High School (JHS), Presbyterian JHS, Standard Preparatory JHS, and Basina JHS. The students engaged in a spirited contest, demonstrating their knowledge of the 1992 Constitution. Basina JHS emerged as the victor with 36 points, followed closely by Standard Preparatory JHS with 35 points. Presbyterian JHS secured the third position with 30 points, and Namolo JHS came in fourth with 28 points. The NCCE awarded all participating schools with certificates, notebooks, story books, mathematical sets, pens, and perhaps most significantly, copies of the 1992 Constitution, equipping them with the very document at the heart of the competition.
The quiz competition served as a powerful platform for engaging young minds with the principles of constitutional democracy. By promoting understanding of the 1992 Constitution, the NCCE instilled in these students a sense of civic responsibility, patriotism, and nationalism. This event embodied the Commission’s dedication to fostering a vibrant and participatory democracy, where informed citizens are empowered to contribute to the nation’s progress. The competition not only celebrated academic achievement but also instilled in the participants a sense of shared responsibility for the future of Ghana. This proactive approach to civic education holds great promise for cultivating a generation of engaged and responsible citizens who will shape the nation’s destiny.
