We must all help keep Ghana safe and sound

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By Alhaji Alhasan Abdulai

Are we really safe in Ghana? This is the question that readily comes to mind regarding threats to human lives and the tragic death of the Upper East Regional Chairman of NPP following an acid attack on him by some persons.

Ghana-Flag-Map
Ghana-Flag-Map

Indeed the death of Adam Mahama has shaken the very foundation of the nation considered as one of the most peaceful nations of the world. Why did the assailants resort to acid attack on this man considered to be harmless and hardworking businessman in Bolgatanga who was a friend to all irrespective of parties and religious affiliation of all who met him? Most Citizens from all political parties? religious groupings and civil society organizations particularly the New Patriotic Party were shocked by the sad event as they say in unison that Adam Mahama is irreplaceable.
Most people feel that the authorities must seriously consider going into why people resort to the use of acids to attack people especially women, children and now a political leader in Ghana of late at least provocation. The security experts, the police, the political parties and the ministries concerned must be up and doing with serious study into how to stop the use of acids as weapon of human destruction before things get worse. Before then all those in responsible positions must not move in and out their homes alone especially during the dark hours of the day. They must be accompanied to ensure their safety. The vice presidential candidate of the new patriotic party who was in the nation when the death occurred considered the killing of the late regional chairman of the party in the Upper East as an attack on the NPP. But I dare say that his death is not an attack on only the NPP but the entire nation for there is no reason why the life of any citizen should be curtailed by anyone without a just cause.
The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo had to cut short his trip abroad to return home to take part in the Islamic burial and funeral rites the late Adam Mahama. Not only did we have members of NPP at the burial and funeral rites of the late regional chairman of NPP leading members of NDC and other political parties were there as well. Since the police have invited some suspects to help in their investigations into the case it is advisable for all members of the NPP in high and low positions to desist from accusations and counter accusations on who were behind the death of Adam Mahama. The least all can do is to heed to the advice given by Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo for all to remain calm and exercise restraint while the police carry out their investigations into the case. From now on all members of the NPP and those outside the party must desist from mentioning names of some leading members of NPP like Paul Afoko National Chairman and Kwabena Agyepong of NPP as being behind the death of the diseased.
Almost all credible organizations expressed their condolences to the family of Adam Mahama and offered advice on the issue. One such organization is National Commission for Civic Education NCCE whose advice on this issue must be taken into serious consideration. .
After expressing shock at the loss of the regional chairman of NPP the organization acknowledged the ongoing work of the security agencies towards apprehending the perpetrators of this dastardly crime. The Commission recalled with sadness the unfortunate incident in November 2014, when the District Chief Executive of Nkwanta South in the Volta Region, the late Peter Kojo Kenyeso, was murdered in cold blood, adding that ?There have been several other instances of violence resulting from intra-party and inter-party differences. These incidents and the growing culture of violent and vitriolic party politics are not good for the nation
The Commission noted that the political landscape has grown increasingly intolerant and antagonistic, contrary to our values as a people.
NCCE said ?On the altar of politics, we are sacrificing our culture, our cherished traditions, and urged all Ghanaians to ?remember that political parties exist to serve the people of Ghana and to ensure the development of Ghana in peace, tranquility and stability.?
It said, ?The concept of multi-party democracy is a contest of ideas and ideologies where different political parties work and manage affairs of the State for the wellbeing and interest of the people, stressing that ?Anytime we deviate from this principle, we put the interest of the people and Ghana in jeopardy. When we resort to insults and violence, its aftermath is devastating. A sole life lost as a result of intolerance or political differences is too high a price to pay.?
?Unfortunately, we seem to be moving away from the exchange of ideas in our politics to insults, personal attacks and violence. We strongly urge the leaders of our political parties to show leadership at this time and redirect their followers, on a better path, to ensure that the national interest is paramount at all times, and above personal or partisan interests. We cannot continue on this current path.? it said.
The NCCE averred that Ghana is known and recognized as the bastion of peace and democratic stability in our sub region yet, we risk losing our stability, our national cohesion and more Ghanaian lives if we do not immediately pause, reflect and re-engineer our politics. One life lost, is one too much on the altar of political differences.
The NCCE reminds all Ghanaians that Article 41 (c) enjoins all citizens to foster national unity and live in harmony with others. It is imperative for all Ghanaians to show tolerance and appreciate the fundamental human rights of other people even as we enjoy our rights as citizens.
On learning about the processes leading to the death of Adam Mahama and other political actors in the past the NCCE and other organizations require that all must come together to help eliminate the sad incidents of tragic deaths of responsible citizens and keep Ghana safe and sound.

Source: Executive director
EANFOWORLD FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
0244 370345/ 0264370345/0208844791
[email protected]/[email protected]

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