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Sat, 03 May 2025 Feature Article

Is the Right to Demonstrate and Speak Truth to Power Absolute and Without Constraints?

Is the Right to Demonstrate and Speak Truth to Power Absolute and Without Constraints?

Dear critical reader, is the right to demonstrate as a physical manifestation of our right to free speech and speak truth to power absolute and without constraints? Our constitution guarantees Ghanaians the right to free speech; however, in expressing ourselves, we must not unfairly besmirch the good names of others using public interest considerations to cloak bad-faith dissembling for political advantage.

Public demonstrations are physical manifestations of our right to speak our minds freely on issues concerning Ghanaian society. However, when the real motives of those organising demonstrations are to destabilise the government of the day, such demonstrations veer into the realm of subversion, which governments globally are obligated to deal with ruthlessly.

One's humble advice to all those participating in public demonstrations is that because agent provocateurs can hijack what might be anchored on good faith and patriotism, potentially causing disorder and lawlessness, they must understand that the Ghana Police Service has a duty to ensure orderliness. This includes approving or disapproving demonstration routes and assembly points.

Ignoring this advice can lead to arrests and prosecutions. Eternal vigilance, the price of freedom, cuts both ways, ensuring the sovereignty and stability of nations and the safety and security of citizens.

Given the historical antecedents of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the state capture, rent-seeking, and pillaging that bankrupted our national economy for private gain, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) must be super vigilant. Law enforcement must closely monitor them at all material times for the sake of ordinary people who bore the brunt of the negative impacts of the unparalleled looting that occurred during the era of the Akyem Mafia.

#FreeSpeech #RightToDemonstrate #GoodGovernance #Accountability #LawAndOrder #GhanaPolitics #DemocracyInAction #VigilanceIsThePriceOfFreedom

Kofi Thompson
Kofi Thompson, © 2025

Writer & activist for environmental justice & human rights. . More Born into a farming family, I speak truth to power to amplify the voices of victims of injustice.Column: Kofi Thompson

Disclaimer: "The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect ModernGhana official position. ModernGhana will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here." Follow our WhatsApp channel for meaningful stories picked for your day.

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Started: 06-06-2025 | Ends: 06-07-2025

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