The Municipal Director, NCCE
The Head Teacher—Anglican School,
Staff and Pupils,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am very delighted to have been chosen to interact with you today as the NCCE marks its 2016 Citizenship Week Celebration under the theme: “My Ghana: The Power of One”; and the sub-theme: A Disciplined Ghana!
What Is Discipline?
The word discipline is used almost on daily basis, especially by parents, teachers and other people in authority. Some say discipline is: behaviour in accordance with rules of conduct; or behaviour that is maintained by training and control. I believe everyone has a fair idea what discipline is. But for the purpose of the discussion this morning, permit me to give it a working definition.
Discipline is defined as “the suppression of Basic Desires, and is usually understood to be synonymous with restraint and self-control”. Basic desires are fundamental psychological impulses that define a person’s personality.
Basic Desires may include: Power (desire to influence others); Independence (desire for self-reliance); Curiosity (desire for knowledge); Acceptance (desire for inclusion); Order (desire for organization); Saving (desire to collect things); Honour (desire to be loyal to one’s parents and heritage); Idealism (desire for social justice); Family (desire to raise one’s own children); Status (desire for social standing); Vengeance (desire to get even); Social Contact (desire for companionship); Romance (desire for sex and beauty); Eating (desire to consume food); Physical Activity (desire for exercise of muscles); and Tranquility (desire for emotional calm).
In-discipline by Inference: is the absence of Self-Control or self-restraint hence the manifestation of Basic or Crude Desires.
However, the focus of our interaction this morning is Discipline! Discipline can manifest in all facets of life of a society. People are encouraged and expected to exhibit discipline (remember discipline is self-restraint or moderation) in the pursuance or satisfaction of one’s Basic Desires.
Social Structure (Framework)
Society is organized around a framework of institutions namely: Political, Religious, Economic, Family & Marital, Educational and Health; all together referred to as the social structure.
Political
Throughout history, man has sought to dominate his fellow man. Thomas Hobbes (an English philosopher) observes that: “man’s life in a state of nature is a war of all against all.” In Hobbes view, there is no cure for aggression, so he says: “you can counteract or punish it; you can shoot the shooters; but it will always be with you. Civilization, according to Hobbes, is the only way to organize society to repress violence. He thus proposed the creation of a state where all men will surrender part of their liberty to a sovereign to rule on behalf of everybody. That has led us to where we are today as humans, belonging to various communities, groups and countries.
In these various groups are people who aspire to be in leadership. In your various classes for instance, you have class prefects; in the entire school we have a head teacher; in this geographical area called Ho, we have a Municipal Chief Executive (Hon Fafa Adinyira); and in the entire Volta Region, we have a Regional Minister (Hon Helen Adjoa Ntoso). Of course, we also have a president (H.E. John Dramani Mahama) who rules the entire country. All these people are either elected or appointed to lead the rest of us.
A major national activity this year is the November 2016 General Elections. Already, candidates of the various political parties (NDC, NPP, CPP, and the others) are crisscrossing the length and breadth of the country campaigning and canvassing for votes. The engagements between the politicians and their followers sometimes result in tension and acrimony. But we can lead the way as individuals to achieve “A Disciplined Ghana!”
Religious
Ghana’s constitution, under article 21 (b) provides for the “freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice.”
However, some people are abusing such freedoms by extorting money from unsuspecting people in the name of miracles; other disturb their neighbours with so much noise; whilst others prefer to use official working hours to preach or read their holy books.
But we can lead the way as individuals to achieve “A Disciplined Ghana” by respecting the rights of others to peace and quiet; and practicing our faith in ways that do not affect others negatively. Remember what they say: “your rights end where my nose begins”
Economic
To keep body and soul together, people engage in various forms of occupations. While some people work in formal establishments such as teaching, banking, medicine and lawyering, others engage in informal occupations such as trading, dressmaking, carpentry, etc.
However, some people try to outsmart their clients or customers by offering unwholesome and expired goods for sale. Some people in the formal sector also do not work conscientiously yet are the first to rush to the banks to draw salaries.
But we can lead the way as individuals to achieve “A Disciplined Ghana”
Family & Marital
We all come from one family or the other. Just like any other social grouping, the relationship between us and our significant others (parents and siblings) is expected to be cordial and friendly and above all built on discipline. Family discipline can be seen in the allocation of tasks and chores and the execution of same without grumble. It is also seen in faithfulness to our spouses and partners.
However, some people cheat. Parents cheat on their children by being irresponsible. Children also cheat on their parents by not studying hard at school or at home.
But we can lead the way as individuals to achieve “A Disciplined Ghana”
Educational
One key feature of any society is its ability to pass on its values and traditions to the next generation. In pursuance of this, the educational institution exists to equip people with skills, attitudes and attributes necessary for the advancement of the human race.
In a few days’ time, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) would commence. The greatest worry of most of us in recent times is the increasing spate of examination malpractices. Some people including teachers, candidates and parents try to cheat the system by indulging in, or not reporting others who engage in such practices.
But we can lead the way as individuals to achieve “A Disciplined Ghana” by avoiding examination malpractices.
Health
In addition to all the institutions talked about, there is also the Health Institution. The health institution enables people to seek remedies for their health conditions.
However, some people cheat the system. There are quack doctors and there are intransigent nurses. There are also wicked, undisciplined patients—you and I.
But we can lead the way as individuals to achieve “A Disciplined Ghana” by following the queue when we get to the health centre.
The Power of One!
It is an established truth that there is so much to be derived from joining forces with others in synergy to accomplish great feats but throughout history some individuals have proven that in spite of the benefits of numbers, there are certain occasions when individuals must rise up to be counted.
When blacks were being suppressed in America in the 1950s, it took young Martin Luther King Jnr to lead a civil rights movement to fight for social equality for all races until his assignation in 1968. Today, Barack Hussein Obama (a black person) is President of the US.
The power of one!
It took Dr Kwame Nkrumah the audacity to say the black man is capable of managing his own affairs and to lead the struggle for Ghana’s independence.
The power of one!
When the British waged war against the Ashanti Kingdom in the past, it took one individual—Yaa Asantewa to stand up to say enough is enough!
The power of one!
Today, Special Needs Education is receiving special attention thanks to the activism of one person—Helen Adams Keller. Helen Keller overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf to become one of the 20th Century’s humanitarians. In fact, let me share one of her favourite quotes with you:
“character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through the experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
The power of one!
As we leave here, let us all resolve to achieve a Disciplined Ghana through the power of one. Let us endeavour to:
- Obey the laws of Ghana
- Work hard, both at home and at school
- Be punctual to events and gatherings
- Be truthful and honest
- Be tolerant of other persons and groups
- Protect public property.
Thank you for your attention.
PS:
Above is a presentation I gave to students of the Ho Anglican School on June 1, 2026 to commemorate the 2016 Citizenship Day Celebration of the NCCE.