Dr. Ibn Chambas Calls for Strong Civic Education to Safeguard Ghana’s Democracy
African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has stressed that democracy cannot thrive on elections alone, urging greater investment in civic education, ethical leadership, and responsible citizenship.
Speaking on “Educating for Peace, Democracy and Responsible Citizenship” at the second edition of the Mfantsipim Sesquicentennial Lecture Series, Dr. Chambas said democratic governance requires more than periodic elections. According to him, without informed citizens and accountable leadership, democratic institutions become vulnerable to instability and declining public confidence.
He noted that while elections remain a cornerstone of democracy, they can exist alongside institutional weaknesses, inequality, and growing public disillusionment if they are not reinforced by civic responsibility and effective governance.
Drawing attention to emerging global challenges, including political polarization and the rise of authoritarian tendencies, Dr. Chambas warned that constitutional provisions alone cannot protect democratic values.
“Democracy depends upon educated citizens. Without informed citizens, democratic institutions become fragile. Without responsible citizens, constitutions become mere documents. And without ethical leadership, democratic legitimacy gradually erodes,” he said.
Reflecting on Ghana’s democratic journey, Dr. Chambas praised the country’s record of peaceful transfers of power and political stability since the adoption of the 1992 Constitution, describing it as a source of international recognition and pride.
He, however, emphasized that sustaining this achievement demands continuous commitment from both leaders and citizens, noting that democracy is an evolving process rather than a completed project.
Dr. Chambas called for renewed dedication to the rule of law, accountability, and active civic participation, stressing that the long-term protection of democratic freedoms depends on generations of informed citizens who value integrity, truth, and public responsibility.
