The University of Ghana’s UG-UTAG has strongly criticized recent remarks made by the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah.
At a seminar focused on the “Impact of Disinformation on Electoral Integrity, Peace, and Security in Africa” in Accra, the minister implied that certain figures within academia, civil society, and the media were employing their influence to incite actions that could disrupt the nation through the spread of misinformation.
In response, UG-UTAG expressed deep concern over the potential repercussions of these statements, including what they perceive as a stifling of dissenting voices and a curtailment of fundamental free speech rights.
A portion of their statement, dated October 20, reads: “The University of Ghana Branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG) has taken note of comments reportedly made by the National Security Minister, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah.
According to the Honorable Minister, certain individuals in academia (which we believe includes UG-UTAG members), civil society, and the media are leveraging their influence in society to incite actions that could destabilize the country through the spread of misinformation, without providing any evidence to support such claims.”
The statement goes on to emphasize that while they do not endorse any individuals or groups advocating for a coup in Ghana, they remain committed to expressing their views on vital national issues forcefully.
They firmly oppose any attempts, including political commentary, that could lead the nation down a path of silencing dissent.
UG-UTAG underlines that the prevention of coups and military interventions in politics depends on principles such as good governance, anti-corruption efforts, responsible economic management, and the enactment of proactive pro-poor policies.
These measures can address the gap between the affluent and underprivileged, fostering the growth of a thriving middle class within society.
The statement concludes with a call for the government to adopt these principles to ensure peace and political stability and encourages a national dialogue to address the threat of coups and safeguard peace in Ghana.
Read the full statement below
For Immediate Release
All Media
20th October 2023
CONDEMNATION OF NATIONAL SECURITY MINISTER’S ATTACKS ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH OF ACADEMIA, CSOS AND MEDIA
1.University of Ghana, Acera-The University of Ghana Branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG), has noted with concern some comments purportedly made by the National Security Minister, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah.
2.According to the Honorable Minister, some identified individuals in academia (we believe, including UG-UTAG Members), civil society, and the media, are leveraging their influence in society to incite a coup to destabilize the country through spreading of mis/disinformation without adducing any evidence to support the claim.
3.We take a serious exception to the Minister’s statement and condemn it in no uncertain terms, as it has the tendency to gag the expression of dissenting opinion on what government does with the fiduciary trust reposed in it, by the people. It also has the potency to prevent these individuals from exercising their fundamental rights to free speech.
4.We do not support any individual or groups calling for a coup in Ghana. But at the same time, we won’t be gagged from speaking our minds forcefully on all important national issues. We would fiercely resist any attempt, including political commentary, that has the potency to usher us into the dark days of culture of silence.
5.The antidote to coups and military interventions in politics, are good governance, fight against corruption, proper management of the economy and the implementation of proactive pro-poor policies, that can help bridge the gap between the poor and the rich, as well as create a vibrant Middle Class in society.
6.While we call on the government to imbibe the antidotes listed above to secure our peace and promote political stability, we also ask for a national dialogue and conversation on how to guard against the threats of coups and safeguard our peace in Ghana.
SIGNED
Prof. Ransford E. V. Gyampo
President, UG-UTAG
revgyampo@ug.edu.gh
+233244277275
Cc:
Minister for National Security
Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison Secretary, UG-UTAG jjharrison@ug.edu.gh +233201068889
P. O. Box LG 1118, UPO- Legon, Ghana
+233 (0)303 974 655 / +233 (0)24 427 7275/ +233 (0)20 106 8889 Outagoffice@ug.edu.gh
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