Notable among these individuals included former President Jerry John Rawlings, late President Atta Mills and two late Vice Presidents of the Fourth Republic, Mr Ekow Nkensen Arkaah and Alhaji Alieu Mahama.

He also praised the Speakers of Parliament, both dead and living as well as Chief Justices, Council of State Members and the security agencies for their individual and collective roles toward the sustainability of the Fourth Republic.

President Akufo-Addo was speaking at the National Thanksgiving Church Service held at the Independence Square in Accra to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the country's return to democratic goverment.

He said the country's democracy is growing stronger in stature and pointed out that the country is having a stable political space as a result of the individual and collective responsibilities of all citizens, institutions, and agencies.

He said the country's constitutional rule could not have been achieved without the contributions of some key state institutions and agencies such as the Electoral Commission (EC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the security agencies.

Mr Akufo-Addo, who briefly recounted the history of the Fourth Republic commended Ghanaians for their resilience in sustaining the Fourth Republic.

He said the biggest challenge the country face was the eradication of widespread poverty, youth unemployment, chieftaincy conflicts, land disputes, and vigilantism among others.

He said however that the country could look at its challenges by reviewing its economic policies, such as adding value to its raw materials.

History

The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana that came into effect on January 7, 1993, provides the basic charter for the country's fourth attempt at republican democratic government since independence in 1957.

The constitution declares Ghana to be a unitary republic with sovereignty residing in the Ghanaian people and drawn up with the intent of preventing future coups, dictatorial government, and one-party state.

The document reflects the lessons drawn from the abrogated constitutions of 1957, 1960, 1969, and 1979, and it incorporates provisions and institutions drawn from British and United States constitutional models.

Presidents

President Rawlings was the first President of the Fourth Republic in Ghana and followed by Mr John Agyekum Kuffour; Professor John Evans Atta Mills; Mr John Dramani Mahama and the current President, Mr Akufo-Addo.