So why are some people consumed with so much hate, ethnocentrism and sexism?
This is madness! What kind of democracy is this? Under the disguise of free speech and free expression? What at all should a disagreement let some spew so much much hateful and violence filled speech? And he’s what? One of the cheapest and most abused titles in Ghana is being a osofo! Take that title and get away with crimes, misconduct, flour laws?
Whilst I have my own concerns about the feasibility of the so called new register I don’t understand the waste of time, so much disruption, hate and threats of violence against this lady who just appears to be discharging her duties.
I have watched the controversy, debates and complaints about this new exercise and have observed the following:
- Arguments for and against are along party lines, allegiances and affiliations although commentators, political entities and commentators like to present them as neutral.
- With those opposing the reasons for their opposition have shifted over time and at times even within the same day. For example, they’re opposed because there is not enough time before elections, the next they are opposed because of the risk of COVID-19 spread in the country or they are opposed because the required documents will be difficult to obtain or there is really no need for a new register, because the EC was to deliberately disenfranchise certain voters or opposed because the old register is good enough and no need for a new one or it is illegal or because various stakeholders are opposed.
I have thought about this for while and wondered why we have different opposing parties?And where is the dialogue in all of this? Is there any room for consensus building and do we ever give it a chance? So if we are unprepared to dialogue and strive for consensus, how can we move forward? When did diverse individuals from different ethnic, educational, regional and ideological backgrounds ever achieve a 100% agreement? When will the stalemate end?
Why can’t we learn to accept and respect our differences? Why do we talk so nastily about people who don’t share our values, perspectives and opinions? Who said we are exactly identical in our thoughts and opinions? And who said we all have the same priorities?
Does one have to be forced to agree with another? Shouldn’t national institutions operate independently and autonomously to be referee between opposing views? Why do we want to bully people into agreeing with us or take our sides? How can our institutions function impartially and effectively if each side wants them to way to its side? What is really wrong with many of our people?
The Threats?
So what is really behind such a threatening language and a rain of insults for national leaders from someone who claims to know better and supposedly speaks the mind of God? I thought spiritual things were to be resolved spiritually? Why is this threat of violence including threats of harm and possible deprivation of life directed at the lady? Is it because she is a woman? Is it because of who appointed her?
And is it really factual or evidential that Mrs. Jean Mensah may be cooking up something to favour the incumbent? Is so, why are his critics not demonstrating the basis of such outrageous allegations? Or are the anger, threats and such level of disruption based on suspicion or mere fear? Where is the fear from?
If people have evidence of fraud or impropriety, why are the opposing parties not practicing other aspects of democracy, i.e. exercising their right to appear before competent authorities (courts) or using appropriate procedures at their dispensation and under the laws of the country to hold Mrs. Mensah accountable?
Must we resort to threats and intimidation? Are we practicing selective democracy? Why do people think this kind of this if conduct by gentleman is an appropriate behaviour that should be welcome in a democratic society or process? Will that be tolerated from a student in a classroom towards a teacher? Would that be alright in a household between spouses or in a parent-child relationship? Would that be a normal behaviour in a church? ? Would that be tolerated from the president or any other leader? Is this gentleman here Mr. Owusu Agyei a role model? Is he actually well?
His actions are improper, criminal and unruly. He is threatening someone’s life and his target is a state agent who should be protected at all cost. A threat to a state agent amount to a threat against the state and must be punishable.
Mr. Aggie has several availble avenues for resolving his grievances. He and others uttering threats have to understand that there are other nationals who neither share their views or necessarily condone their disruptive conducts? Are suggesting that those who do not share their views should also be making threats against their lives?
Why do some people feel that unruliness is an acceptable behaviour in national discourses? Why does the EC have to agree with you before they can conduct their business?
Personally, I support his arrest and anyone who exhibit such level of violence and threats or harm towards others must be arrested and prosecuted as prescribed by law and to face the maximum allowable punishments. It is about time we stopped giving people free passes over the laws. Politicalicians must be held to account like everyone else. People must not be allowed to use their personal beliefs to incite violence and hate or wreck havoc in national politics.
We should adhere to the principle of equality and non-discrimination under the law. This sort of hate speech, sexism, ethnocentrism, disrespect and impunity must stop.
We should demonstrate how we will govern through our conduct, discipline and sincerity. Politicians must refrain from deceit, lies, self indulgence and lawlessness.
No one should be threatened for performing their civic duty or mandated functions. State agencies must also discharge their duties fairly, impartially,honestly, independently and transparently.
We should practice our democracy wholly and not cherrypick the parts that favour our sides. We should learn to act in good faith, not with deceit and malice.
May there be peace and harmony between all parties. May peace loving people and real public servants win and rule the nation of Ghana! Long live Ghana’s thriving democracy.
Signed,
Akosua G
Ontario, Canada
June 10, 2020