Constitutionalism and democracy transcend human rights – Mensa-Bonsu
Constitutionalism and democracy transcend human rights – Mensa-Bonsu
Prof Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu2
Justice Professor Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu, a member of the Supreme Court, asserts that constitutionalism and democratic governance encompass "reciprocal duties" of civic and moral obligations in addition to the enjoyment of human rights.
She stated that some of these duties included the profession of religion and faith, of which the majority of Ghanaians failed to demonstrate the practical tenets.
"We condemn acts of corruption committed by others while making excuses for our own." We pilfer from our employers and then complain when we are robbed. Prof. Mensah-Bonsu observed that we are outraged when mistreated by foreigners, but primarily remain silent when it involves a powerful citizen.
She made this remark on the second day of the 41st Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg Memorial Lectures in Accra, entitled "Yen Ara Asaase Ni Remix – Tuning up the Contribution of Law to the Ghana We Desire."
Justice Professor Mensah-Bonsu questioned why those placed in positions of authority in the public service hesitated to call disobedient subjects to order, as well as why so many Ghanaians lacked the courage to stand up for themselves and accept responsibility for their actions.
All of these, she said, affected the entire nation, so it was necessary to fulfill them rather than merely assert the rights and liberties the constitution and democratic system provided.
She noted that this would go a long way toward promoting development and stability in all endeavors.