Audio By Carbonatix
The Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery has dismissed claims that January 7, set aside by government to celebrate Ghana's constitutional rule is an idle holiday.
Interacting with JoyNews, the Minister said such assertions are false as the day creates the opportunity to reflect on the country's democratic governance.
"This is the 8th Parliament and probably when the President decided and we went to Parliament to declare January 7, Constitutional Day, some people thought it was an idle holiday.
"It is not an idle holiday. We want people to wake up from complacency that we think we have arrived as a multi-party democracy. Yes, within the region, we are a shinning example but I believe the Constitutional Day should give us an opportunity to reflect, improve and consolidate," he said.
According to Mr Ambrose Dery, Ghanaians should work towards becoming more tolerant.
"One aspect of our democratic attitude that we must develop and build on is tolerance. Tolerance of different views and that is what we need to build on."
He referenced the current impasse in Parliament over the approval of the electronic transaction levy (e-levy) to underscore the need for tolerance.
"What is happening in Parliament now in the Fourth Republic is a matter of concern. I say so and I want to put it in context.
"The constitution requires that we are tolerant and I am looking forward to us doing the right thing. Tolerating each others views in Parliament and reflecting the nature of the people we represent and continue to build our democracy. That is what I look forward to," the Nandom MP explained.
On the e-levy initiative suggested by government to widen its net tax, the Interior Minister said the initiative has been misunderstood.
"The E-levy is being misunderstood," therefore "I am calling on all concerned to reconsider and support us moving forward to help us get the necessary resources to build Ghana and move towards a Ghana Beyond Aid."
Mr Ambrose Dery stated that the resources generated will be used to construct roads and provide job opportunities for the unemployed youth in the country.
Latest Stories
-
PRESEC, Augusco and Accra Academy battle for 2026 NSMQ crown today
15 minutes -
GH₵12 cement price increase: GPHA clarifies attribution to port congestion
16 minutes -
Pythagoras won’t balance your books
19 minutes -
Pay me by Sept. 11 or face the court – Kow Essuman demands salary, benefits from Finance Minister
37 minutes -
Bawumia’s destiny lies in the hands of God; not you – Muslim Forum for Peace and Unity replies Rev. Owusu Bempah
39 minutes -
NPP NEC meets today to discuss and approve party’s position paper on Constitution Review proposals
46 minutes -
Today’s frontpages: Thursday, September 10, 2026
53 minutes -
Ghana Garden and Flower Show returns on Sept 11 with focus on green jobs, business and wellbeing
54 minutes -
Titus-Glover camp says Mustapha Salam wasn’t pressured to withdraw from National Organiser race
56 minutes -
Ghana’s acclaimed Christian – Muslim unity bigger than Owusu Bempah’s hatred and bigotry – Muslim Forum for Peace and Unity
58 minutes -
Karpowership lights up young minds on International Literacy Day
1 hour -
Banking sector NPLs fall to GH¢19.9bn as asset quality improves
1 hour -
Republic Bank Ghana, UPSA sign strategic MoU to advance professional development and industry-academia collaboration
1 hour -
MTN 30th Anniversary CEO Invitational Golf Tournament set to tee off at Achimota
1 hour -
Ghana woos Australian investors into critical minerals
2 hours