Good Citizen Ghana Launched To Drive Responsible Citizenship
A new civic advocacy organisation, Good Citizen Ghana, has been officially launched in Kumasi with a strong appeal for attitudinal change, discipline, and active citizen participation in national development.
The launch ceremony, held on May 1, 2026, at the Heaven City Ministry International Auditorium, was led by the Founder and Leader of the organisation, Apostle Emmanuel Kofi Appiah. It attracted traditional leaders, clergy, government representatives, media practitioners, and members of the public.
In his address, Apostle Appiah said the formation of Good Citizen Ghana marks the beginning of a nationwide movement aimed at transforming mindsets, 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.
Apostle Appiah noted that Ghana has been shaped by successive leaders, including 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 rest on leadership alone.
According to him, the attitude and conduct of citizens remain a key determinant of national progress, warning that indiscipline and irresponsible behaviour continue to slow development efforts.
He outlined the responsibilities of a good citizen as obeying laws, paying taxes, participating in elections and civic activities, engaging in community service, respecting others regardless of background, protecting the environment, and supporting security agencies by reporting crime.
He further called for renewed patriotism, urging citizens to contribute actively to national development, citing examples from other countries where communities support government infrastructure projects.
On sanitation, he expressed concern about the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters and on streets, describing the practice as a major environmental and health challenge that must be urgently addressed.
Apostle Appiah also cautioned the youth against drug abuse, including tramadol and marijuana, excessive alcohol consumption, robbery, and other antisocial behaviours, saying they pose a serious threat to national peace and stability.
He further 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.
The founder emphasised the need for citizens to support law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities to help maintain peace and security in communities.
He 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 Kwabena Asamoah, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and relevant to national development. He pledged the support of traditional authorities and called on the public to embrace the initiative and become responsible citizens.
Chairman for the occasion, Wofa Kofi Appiah, in an expanded address, emphasised that Ghana’s transformation into a corruption-free and environmentally clean nation largely depends on the mindset of its citizens.
He noted that while governments over the years have introduced policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards, the lack of discipline, patriotism, and civic responsibility among sections of the populace continues to undermine these efforts.
Wofa Appiah, who is the Morning Show for Kumasi based Kessben FM and doubles as the station’s news editor, stressed that corruption is not only perpetuated by public officials but also enabled by ordinary citizens who offer or accept bribes, engage in dishonest practices, or refuse to uphold ethical standards in their daily lives. He therefore called for a collective national reset, where citizens consciously choose integrity over short-term gains.
Touching on environmental issues, he lamented the poor sanitation practices in many communities, particularly the indiscriminate disposal of waste, which he said contributes to flooding and the spread of diseases. He urged citizens to take personal responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean instead of relying solely on government interventions.
He further highlighted the role of the media in shaping public attitudes, indicating that media practitioners must lead by example by promoting responsible discourse, educating the public, and avoiding 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 values of the country, stressing that “a disciplined and responsible citizenry is the foundation of every successful nation.”
He therefore called on all Ghanaians to support the Good Citizen Ghana initiative and actively participate in efforts aimed at building a more responsible, law-abiding, and progressive society.
