A finance and economic policy analyst, Senyo Hosi says in order for Ghana to have a working constitution, citizens need to also demonstrate appropriate values in all their endeavours.

Speaking at the Constitution Day Public Lecture at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) on Friday, he explained that the dividends a country reaps from its constitution is inextricably linked to the attitude of its citizens.

He, therefore, called for a ‘re-conscientisation’ of Ghanaians, in order for the country to reap the full benefits of the 1992 Constitution.

“B.R. Ambedkar said this and I quote: ‘However good a constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will be prove to be bad.

“However bad a constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good’. Nelson Mandela also said, ‘Permanent values in social life cannot be created by people who are indifferent or hostile to the aspirations of a nation’.

“Simply put, we cannot get the best of any constitution with a people without the right values. Our value system needs a total overhaul to promote patriotism, honest work, the meritocracy of course, integrity, empathy and service; and absolutely, the lead values stated in our constitution: freedom, justice, probity, accountability and unity,” Mr Hosi said.

On citizens need to contribute their quota to national development, the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) CEO called on government to empower the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), to develop programmes to enlighten citizens on their civic responsibilities.

“If we envision a future of phenomenal transformation of our country, then active citizenship through civic education cannot be ignored.

“To this end, we ought to resource the NCCE to develop and execute a programme for national value transformation and constitution education, in participation with all the key stakeholders.

“Like Singapore, these values must run through our education system, as a subject from kindergarten all through to the tertiary education”, Mr. Senyo Hosi advised.

He called out political leaders accusing them of plunging the nation into a spiral of ‘misgovernance’ in a manner that threatens the very existence of the 1992 Constitution.

Other personalities who spoke at the event included the Majority Leader in Parliament and Suame MP, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu. Former Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, represented the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu.