The President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has charged a former member of his campaign team, who he has elevated to the position of the Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), not to allow herself to be controlled by any person or institution.
Kathleen Addy, was for years, part of Danquah Institute, led by the President’s cousin, Gabby Otchere–Darko and together they prosecuted the general elections which eventually brought President Akufo-Addo to power in 2017.
Ms. Addy, was made the Deputy Commissioner of the NCCE in March 2017, few days after Nana Akufo-Addo was sworn-in as President on January 7.
Interestingly, it was Gabby Otchere–Darko’s radio station, Asaase Radio, which announced the appointment of Kathleen Addy, as replacing Josephine Nkrumah, who resigned on February 21, with an effective date of April 30, 2022.
At the swearing-in ceremony last week, the President reminded her that the NCCE is autonomous and should be treated as such as her independence is stipulated by the 1992 Constitution.
Mr Akufo-Addo, therefore, urged Kathleen Addy to pursue a stakeholder consultation for the successful fulfilment of the Commission’s mandate.
“I assure you, Madam Chairperson, of government’s recognition as enshrined in Act 452, of the independence of the NCCE.
“Madam Chairperson, I need not remind you that you are not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of your functions, including myself as the head of the Executive,” President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said at the swearing-in ceremony of Kathleen Addy as the new Chairperson of the NCCE at the Jubilee House on Thursday, June 16.
He rejected calls for the abolishment of the Commission indicating that such calls are misplaced.
The President explained, “The NCCE continues to be relevant and still has an important role to play in helping establish a culture of awareness in our country in which citizens live to their civic responsibilities and duties.
“Especially at this time, when some responsible elements within the body politic are calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order.”
On her part, Kathleen Addy said, “I would like to, once again, thank you for the honour done me. I would like to thank all gathered here for showing up on this occasion. I am grateful. I promised the people of Ghana that I will execute my mandate to the best of my ability and I look forward to a renewed NCCE,” she added.
Kathleen Addy was appointed to replace Madam Joseph Nkrumah, who resigned from the position to take up an ambassadorial role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Asaase News, had reported it an exclusive news that in May that President Akufo-Addo, acting in line with Article 232 of the 1992 constitution and Section 4 (a) of the National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE) Act 1993 (Act 452), has appointed Ms Kathleen Addy as the acting chair of the NCCE.
Interestingly, Ms. Addy’s services with Danquah Institute, was not mentioned as part of her profile.
Josephine Nkrumah, stepped down from the NCCE to take up a new role as the special representative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to Liberia.
The confirmation of Ms Addy’s appointment was reported as subject to the advice of the Council of State to the president, in line with Article 232 (2) of the 1992 constitution, which states that “members of the Commission shall be appointed by the president acting on the advice of the Council of State”.
Kathleen Addy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Ghana and a Master’s degree in communications from the University of Ghana School of Communications Studies.
Ms Addy, was communications manager for the Afrobarometer project at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) Ghana, and has worked with other civil society organisations in Ghana.
She was previously a research and communications officer at the Centre for Policy Analysis, focusing on women’s economic empowerment and economic partnership agreements.
Through international trade, Kathleen Addy, has worked on projects in domestic violence, gender and economic development as well as economic development.
