The Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery has dismissed claims that January 7, set aside by government to celebrate Ghana's constitutional rule is an idle holiday.
Interacting with JoyNews, the Minister said such assertions are false as the day creates the opportunity to reflect on the country's democratic governance.
"This is the 8th Parliament and probably when the President decided and we went to Parliament to declare January 7, Constitutional Day, some people thought it was an idle holiday.
"It is not an idle holiday. We want people to wake up from complacency that we think we have arrived as a multi-party democracy. Yes, within the region, we are a shinning example but I believe the Constitutional Day should give us an opportunity to reflect, improve and consolidate," he said.
According to Mr Ambrose Dery, Ghanaians should work towards becoming more tolerant.
"One aspect of our democratic attitude that we must develop and build on is tolerance. Tolerance of different views and that is what we need to build on."
He referenced the current impasse in Parliament over the approval of the electronic transaction levy (e-levy) to underscore the need for tolerance.
"What is happening in Parliament now in the Fourth Republic is a matter of concern. I say so and I want to put it in context.
"The constitution requires that we are tolerant and I am looking forward to us doing the right thing. Tolerating each others views in Parliament and reflecting the nature of the people we represent and continue to build our democracy. That is what I look forward to," the Nandom MP explained.
On the e-levy initiative suggested by government to widen its net tax, the Interior Minister said the initiative has been misunderstood.
"The E-levy is being misunderstood," therefore "I am calling on all concerned to reconsider and support us moving forward to help us get the necessary resources to build Ghana and move towards a Ghana Beyond Aid."
Mr Ambrose Dery stated that the resources generated will be used to construct roads and provide job opportunities for the unemployed youth in the country.
Latest Stories
-
I want to focus more on my education – Chidimma Adetshina quits pageantry
39 mins -
Priest replaced after Sabrina Carpenter shoots music video in his church
52 mins -
Duct-taped banana artwork sells for $6.2m in NYC
1 hour -
Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes
1 hour -
Actors Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are engaged
1 hour -
Expired rice saga: A ‘best before date’ can be extended – Food and Agriculture Engineer
1 hour -
Why I rejected Range Rover gift from a man – Tiwa Savage
1 hour -
KNUST Engineering College honours Telecel Ghana CEO at Alumni Excellence Awards
2 hours -
Postecoglou backs Bentancur appeal after ‘mistake’
2 hours -
#Manifesto debate: NDC to enact and pass National Climate Law – Prof Klutse
2 hours -
‘Everything a manager could wish for’ – Guardiola signs new deal
2 hours -
TEWU suspends strike after NLC directive, urges swift resolution of grievances
2 hours -
Netflix debuts Grain Media’s explosive film
3 hours -
‘Expired’ rice scandal: FDA is complicit; top officials must be fired – Ablakwa
4 hours -
#TheManifestoDebate: We’ll provide potable water, expand water distribution network – NDC
4 hours