The citizenry has been challenged to reaffirm commitment and dedication of working in collaboration to empower them to stand for national peace and security.

In order to achieve national peace and security, the citizenry must learn to coexist irrespective of cultural backgrounds and languages against any misunderstandings, which could degenerate into conflicts.

Lucille Annan, Greater Accra Regional Director of NCCE, threw the challenge at a workshop organised by the Tema Metropolitan NCCE Directorate on the theme: ‘Empowering Ghanaians to Stand for National Cohesion and Inclusive Participation’.

Mrs Annan noted that the laws of the country did not allow formation of any vigilante group and it was the mandate of the Commission to work towards promotion and sustenance of democratic dispensation while inculcating in the Ghanaian, the awareness of their rights and obligations, through civic education and sensitisation.

“We applaud Ghanaians for their peaceful coexistence and cohesion despite our different culture, languages, and backgrounds and the need to continue to live in harmony so as to avoid conflicts and extreme violence.

“Political parties are not allowed to form any vigilante groupings because they have been banned and no one should form or join them and anyone found guilty, will serve jail term and the Commission will continue to create and sustain within society awareness of principles and objectives of the 1992 Constitution as fundamental law of the nation,” Mrs Annan cautioned.

She observed that public education and sensitisation embarked upon by the Commission in collaboration with National Security also reinforced commitment, dedication, determination and encourage them to defend the Constitution at all times, against all forms of abuse and violation.

She advocated use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism to settle issues, brought more cohesion and inclusive participation within society to create awareness on rights and responsibilities of citizens, targeted the youth across the country to promote national cohesion, peaceful co-existence, and countering violence and extremist activities where peace and security were under threat. -GNA