Apostle Emmanuel Kofi Appiah addressing the gathering
A new civic advocacy organisation, Good Citizen Ghana, has been launched in Kumasi with a strong call for attitudinal change, discipline and active citizen participation in national development.
The launch ceremony, held at the Heaven City Ministry International Auditorium, was led by the Founder and Leader of the organisation, Apostle Emmanuel Kofi Appiah, and attracted traditional leaders, clergy, government representatives, media practitioners and members of the public.
Apostle Appiah said the establishment of Good Citizen Ghana marks the beginning of a nationwide movement aimed at transforming the mindset of citizens, promoting civic responsibility and strengthening national development through behavioural change.
He explained that the organisation will focus on educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities, while also promoting environmental sanitation, proper hygiene practices, and respect for law and order.
According to him, Ghana has benefitted from successive leaderships under former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, John Dramani Mahama, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, but stressed that national development cannot be achieved by government alone.
He noted that the attitude and conduct of citizens remain a key factor in national progress, warning that indiscipline and irresponsible behaviour continue to hinder development efforts.
Apostle Appiah outlined the duties of a good citizen as obeying laws, paying taxes, participating in civic activities and elections, engaging in community service, respecting others, protecting the environment, and supporting security agencies by reporting crime.
On sanitation, he expressed concern about the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters and on streets, describing it as a serious environmental and public health challenge that must be addressed urgently.
He further cautioned the youth against drug abuse, including tramadol and marijuana, excessive alcohol consumption, robbery and other antisocial behaviours, warning that such acts threaten peace and stability.
Apostle Appiah also raised concerns about rising indiscipline, disrespect for elders, misuse of social media to insult others, and indecent dressing, urging young people to uphold moral values and cultural dignity.
He stressed the need for citizens to support law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities to help maintain peace and security in communities.
The founder announced that Good Citizen Ghana will establish offices across the country to intensify civic education and public awareness on responsible citizenship.
A traditional leader, Nana Emmanuel Kofi Kwabena Asamoah, Abusuapanin of Fumesua, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and relevant to national development. He pledged the support of traditional authorities and urged the public to embrace the organisation’s objectives.
Chairing the programme, Wofa Kofi Appiah, Morning Show Host and News Editor at Kessben FM in Kumasi, said Ghana’s progress towards becoming a corruption-free and environmentally clean nation depends largely on a change in citizen mindset.
He observed that while governments over the years have introduced policies to improve living standards, indiscipline and lack of civic responsibility among citizens continue to undermine national development.
Wofa Appiah stressed that corruption is not only perpetrated by public officials but is also enabled by citizens who engage in unethical practices such as bribery and dishonesty. He therefore called for a national reset anchored on integrity and accountability.
He also highlighted the role of the media in shaping public attitudes, urging journalists to promote responsible reporting and avoid sensationalism that could erode societal values.
According to him, meaningful national development can only be achieved when citizens align their behaviour with the laws and moral values of society, stressing that a disciplined citizenry is the foundation of every successful nation.
He called on Ghanaians to support the Good Citizen Ghana initiative to help build a more responsible, law-abiding and progressive society.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi