We Cry For Peace, Freedom And Justice

For years, Ghana has been tagged as one of the most peaceful countries on the African continent but recent happenings give you a different view of the reality on ground.

The application of rule of law, freedom of speech, democracy, amongst others are some of the elements that created the beautiful impression in the minds of people both near and far, that Ghana is a very accommodating and peaceful country. So the question arises: What has changed?

One cannot pinpoint exactly what has changed over the years but the universal assumption is that; political power is being misused. For the records, this cuts across both the current and past governments that have had the privilege of ruling the nation.

The issue of insecurity in the country is a very delicate one that needs the maximum attention of the head of state to device adequate measures to be able to solve it. Where is the country heading towards if the people tasked with the responsibility of providing security for citizens turn around to attack the very ones they’re to protect? Why do security personnel almost always get away with it when they go wrong? Where is the assurance of justice of the law?

The recent incidents of violence in Kasoa, attacks on Bullion vans, killings of innocent citizens by military personnel in Ejura are major courses for alarm with respect to the peace of this nation. Why are people being intimidated with the constant presence of soldiers who mostly come to attack and cause more havoc?

Why can’t the police service be trusted to handle certain issues as simple as some concerned Ghanaians wanting to go on a demonstration to fix the country? Using security personnel to halt peaceful protest is a dent on Ghana’s democracy and freedom of expression. There’s indeed a big problem if citizens are not given the right to address their concerns through peaceful protests.

With the advent of technology and social media especially, we see a lot of online campaigns to address issues of national importance and to improve upon the quality of living. This however is sadly ignored and once you raise an issue against the government, you become an enemy and your genuine concerns not addressed. This mentality by government officials is something that has to change. Authorities must be accountable to the people they are supposedly serving.

In the heat of the Covid19 pandemic in early 2020, we witnessed how wonderfully the president of Ghana, Nana Akuffo Addo calmed the nerves and fears of Ghanaians by constantly coming out publicly to assure people of the measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus. The question is; why is the president silent on the recent brutalities in Ghana? Why is he not publicly reassuring us that he is in control and poised to ensure the safety and peace of everyone in the country? The silence of the most powerful person in Ghana is so loud and worrying.

In the lead up to national elections, we see politicians come to the level of ordinary Ghanaians to listen to their struggles and subsequently make assurance of fixing pertinent issues. However, when they come into power with all the resources available, they turn deaf ears to the cry of the people who voted them into power. This is the sad reality of many Ghanaians.

It is about time every single individual in leadership position become accountable to the citizens of Ghana and fix problems that are glaring to see.

Ghanaians demand and deserve, peace, freedom and justice!