Forgive me, but I am still a June 4 adherent – Kweku Baaku
A key supporter of the June 4 revolution, Mr Malik Kwaku Baako Jnr., has made a passionate plea to the family and victims of the uprising, and Ghanaians in general, to forgive him for backing it adherently.
“Ghanaians please hear me, I was one of those who went there and said let the blood flow, and indeed I went to the execution range to ensure that the act was performed without any tricks being performed, I am asking Ghanaians to forgive me.”
Mr Kweku Baako, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, was speaking on Joy FM's flagship programme, News File hosted by ace journalist Kweku Sakyi Addo on Saturday.
Kweku Baako was emphatic that the excesses of the uprising were “regrettable”, however, he maintained the uprising was “unavoidable” due to the circumstances of the day.
He explained that prior to the June 4, the status quo was that of “danger and the illegality that the military dictatorship represented to Ghanaians; the absolute violation of our human rights and dignity that is why we were on the streets”.
“There was nobody who was executed who did not qualify to be executed on the basis of the principles. One, if you took the gun to overthrow a constitution and establish a military government you are already an illegality; two, if you supported that event by being a member of the regime that has emerged out of it and profited by it, either in terms of quick promotions that you didn't deserve or acquisition of properties that you couldn't prove, those things all come in.”
Having witnessed the uprising and its excesses, he appealed to soldiers never again to entertain the idea of overthrowing constitutions.
Justice
Former President Rawlings says people should tap into the energy of June 4 and not destroy it
Mr Baako also condemned the kind of “emotionally charged celebrations” being accorded the commemoration of June 4 over the years. Instead, he opined, Mr Rawlings should rather visit and show remorse to living families of the victims of the revolution.Sounding livid over calls by former president Rawlings that officials of the erstwhile Kufuor government who are alleged to be corrupt should be prosecuted to bring justice to the people, he rather demanded that Mr Rawlings accounts for some military officers he executed without trial 31 years ago, but has since failed to provide evidence to why they were killed.
He said most people who support the June 4 then, believed it lost its moral authority when the 31st December coup was staged by Mr Rawlings, which he said was a betrayal of the ideals of the uprising.
Mr Chris Ackumey, a member of the ruling NDC and a legal practitioner, who witnessed and participated in the event said his views on it have not changed and “would not change”.
He however appealed to people who want to interrogate the revolution not to limit the discussion to the Rawlings' family.
“June 4 was the day the Lord has given and I will implore Ghanaians to accept it.”
Mr Ackumey said the uprising raised the consciousness of the nation and made its people live up to their social responsibilities.
According to Nana Akomea, NPP Member of Parliament for Okaikoi South, he regretted supporting the event, which he said has failed to make any lasting impact in the society in the area of social justice.
He described the event as “disappointment and sadness”.
For Ametor Quarmyn, a member of the NDC, June 4 is worth looking at every year, arguing that the events that led to revolution should serve as a lesson for all.