
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
-
2026 World Cup: England come from behind to beat Norway and reach semi-final
45 seconds -
IPR Ghana inspires Good Shepherd R/C JHS students to champion environmental sustainability
1 hour -
Kenpong suffers serious injuries after freak domestic accident
2 hours -
Sixteen starve to death in Uganda as drought kills crops
3 hours -
Iran supreme leader calls for revenge for father’s killing
3 hours -
Black Maidens seal U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification after shootout win over Senegal
4 hours -
Illegal sand winners will face the law – Ningo-Prampram MP warns
5 hours -
Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One reporting
5 hours -
Aseidu Nketia urges greater investment in Ghana’s youth to unlock demographic dividend
5 hours -
More than 40 kidnapped children and teachers freed after Nigerian army operation
5 hours -
Saudi Arabia overlooks Somali tensions with military support for outgoing president
5 hours -
US pays out $3m to victims of mystery Havana Syndrome condition reported by spies
7 hours -
Landmark US housing bill becomes law despite Trump protest
7 hours -
Ann Widdecombe attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead, police say
7 hours -
Bawumia calls for unity after NPP constituency elections
7 hours