The National Commission for Civic Education has nominated Kathleen Addy as its Chairperson (NCCE).
She succeeds Josephine Nkrumah, who stepped down to become the ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo swore her in as the fifth Chairperson of the NCCE at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.
Ms Addy, according to the President, is an activist with a particular interest in governance and human rights issues, who also distinguished herself as deputy head of the commission after her appointment in March 2017.
"With the void created by Ms Nkrumah's departure, I judged her qualified as the new chairwoman," he stated.
Ms Addy has championed several causes for the development of democracy, good governance, and human rights, especially women's rights, according to the President.
He thanked Ms Addy for her years of loyal service to the country and wished her well in her new position.
The NCCE, according to President Akufo-Addo, was created directly by the 1992 Constitution, which stated the commission's powers and membership, which was constituted by Act 452 of the constitution in 1993.
He said the commission's tasks were all crucial, and that it was required to "formulate for the consideration of the government from time to time programmes for national, regional, and district levels aiming at attaining the objectives" as stated in Article 233 Clause "E" of the constitution.
Significance
The President stated that the NCCE has played a role in teaching people about the value of their liberties and civic rights since its inception 29 years ago.
"There have been significant concerns made in some areas concerning the NCCE's efficacy in carrying out its tasks, and some have gone so far as to call for its abolition.
"I have a different point of view. I believe the NCCE will remain relevant; it still has a critical role to play in helping to establish a culture of awareness in our country, in which citizens are aware of their civic responsibilities and duties, particularly at a time when some irresponsible elements within the political system are calling for the overthrow of the government.
"As chairwoman, I need not remind you that in the exercise of your powers, you are not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority, including myself as the head of the Executive," the President continued.
In the commission's pursuit of its mandate, he asked the chairwoman to undertake stakeholder engagements.