Tema, Feb. 22, GNA - Ghanaians have been asked to exercise the right to free speech and expression responsibly to deepen the country's democracy. Members of Tema sub-regional branch of the United Cadre Front, made the call in a statement signed by Nana Yaw Amaniampong Akwada, Public Relations Officer of the group.

They expressed concern about on-going developments following the arrest, incarceration and subsequent release on bail of Nana Darkwa Baafi, an activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a radio commentator. "Members wish to state expressly that we fully support the general fundamental freedoms enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, specifically the right to freedom of speech and expression, which also includes freedom of the press and other media."

While affirming their commitment to the tenets of good governance and the rule of law, the cadres, unconditionally and without any reservations, condemned utterances made by Nana Baafi, last Thursday.

They also criticised actions and utterances by the leadership of the NPP, coupled with the boycott of Parliament by the Minority Group, which sought to promote indiscipline and "verbal' recklessness in the media fraternity and the country's body politic.

The group contended that the action of the Minority lacked deep sense of reflection, undemocratic and largely irresponsible and called on the Minority to rescind its decision and return to Parliament.