ENGAGEMENT WITH THE MARKET COMMUNITY ON THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES AS GOOD CITIZENS

Paying taxes and protecting the environment are not just civic duties; they are essential contributions to national development. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) conveyed this message during an educational engagement with the market community in the Sekyere Central District.

The engagement, led by the NCCE District Director, Mr Gordon Yeboah Opoku, educated traders, buyers, and sellers on their civic responsibilities as citizens of Ghana, with particular emphasis on tax compliance and environmental protection.

Speaking on taxation, Mr Opoku explained that tax revenue plays a vital role in national development by supporting the provision of public services and infrastructure. He also drew participants’ attention to Article 41(j) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which requires citizens to declare their income honestly to the appropriate and lawful agencies and satisfy all tax obligations.

Turning to environmental protection, Mr Opoku cautioned participants against illegal sand winning and highlighted the damage such activities can cause to the environment and infrastructure. To illustrate the seriousness of the issue, he cited a reported incident at Sawua in the Bosomtwe area of the Ashanti Region, where security personnel had arrested individuals suspected of engaging in illegal sand winning along a section of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway planned for construction.

According to the account shared during the engagement, the suspects were taken to Accra for further investigation, while equipment at the site, including five sand trucks and a payloader, was seized.

In light of these concerns, community members were encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal activities to the appropriate authorities. The message, “If you see something, say something,” was emphasized as a practical way for citizens to contribute to environmental protection and community safety.

Furthermore, traders and buyers were encouraged to comply with the laws of the country and use the appropriate channels to communicate their grievances and concerns.

The engagement formed part of the NCCE’s efforts to promote civic awareness, responsible citizenship and public participation in national development.