Don't abuse freedom of speech - Swedruhene

The Swedruhene, Nana Ogidigram Odiowusiw Asiedu Kobina Botwe 11, has called on Ghanaians to refrain from using the democratic right of freedom of speech to insult and ridicule people in positions of trust.

He said it was sad for people to use the airwaves to attack and humiliate personalities like the President, Ministers of State and traditional rulers, which did not promote the beauty of democracy. Speaking at a Choral Music Festival organised by the Agona District Assembly as part of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Ghana's Independence at Agona Swedru, Nana Botwe stressed the need for all to promote and protect the country's democratic dispensation.

"Since democracy is government for the people by the people i t must enhance the progress and development of the nation," he stated. Schools and churches that participated in the festival included Nsaba Presbyterian Secondary School, Agona Nyakrom Secondary/Technical School, Swedru Secondary School, Swedru School of Business, Catholic Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Presbyterian JSS. Other groups were from the Emmnauel Methodist, Calvary Crusaders, Salvation Army, Musama Disco Christo (MDCC) and the Seventh Day Adventist Churches.

Nana Botwe who is also the Adontenhene of the Nyakrom Traditional Area advised chiefs who fuelled chieftaincy and land disputes to desist from the practice since it retarded progress and created enmity that could lead to violence.

He said as the nation prepared for the Jubilee anniversary, there was the need for unity and love to ensure socio-economic advancement. Mr Timothy Osam Duodu, Presiding Member of the Agona District Assembly, advised the youth to uphold the country's cultural values and to shun foreign ones, which did not promote socio-economic progress. He stressed the need for parents to inculcate time management, responsibility and good morals in their children to reduce the upsurge of disrespect and indiscipline in the society.

Mr Ben Mensah, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Agona, said the District would benefit from a model Golden Jubilee School to serve as a monument for the 50th anniversary of Ghana's Independence.

Mr Samuel Anaisie Mensah, District Culture Officer, expressed concern about indecent dressing especially among the youth and urged traditional rulers to collaborate with the Centre for National Culture and the National Commission on Culture in a campaign to discourage the practice.

He blamed the trend on the influence of foreign films and programmes on television and stressed the need to address the issue.