The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on Thursday called on Ghanaians, particularly students, to exercise their constitutional rights in a responsible manner since misuse of that right could result in jail sentences.

A statement from the GBA and signed by Mr Paul Adu-Gyamfi, President and Mr Benson Nutsukpui, National Secretary, referred to the recent spate of violent demonstrations and protests by students said they, as future leaders must conduct themselves with decency and respect for constituted authority in exercising their rights.

"The Association acknowledges the constitutional rights of Ghanaians to demonstrate as part of their fundamental human rights and freedom of expression," it said. "The exercise of this constitutional right, however, must be conducted in a responsible manner and the GBA calls on all, particularly students of our secondary and tertiary institutions to exercise these rights in a responsible manner.

"In this regard, the Association condemns unreservedly profanities, indecent exposure, wanton destruction of state and private property and various provocative and insulting behaviour by students during the various demonstrations and protests on their campuses and in public."

The GBA warned that some of the conducts might constitute criminal offences, which could result in jail sentences and attendant negative consequences for the offenders.