Opinions of Tuesday, 18 November 2014

Columnist: Ghana Must Know Movement

CITI FM Boss Arrest; Debases Our Democracy And Diversionary

The detention of Mr. Samuel Attah Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of Citi FM, makes mockery of our democracy and reminds us of the despots who once plunged our dear nation into nightmares. We cannot substitute our democracy with arrogance of power; neither can we swallow the bitterness of bad governance at the detriment of social justice, accountability and the right to a dignified life.

We shall be ignoring our duty as citizens of our land if we fail to uphold and defend the constitution, which remains to be our only hope and defense against the iron fist of the oppressor.

The right to free speech and public discourse on issues of national interest that seeks to expose the dark side of government cannot be short-sleeved by turning state security apparatus against its own citizens, whom they have sworn an oath to protect.

The security institutions must work for the state and not allow government appointees to use them as a tool to go after innocent citizens who are discharging their rights, as demanded of any responsible citizen. We are demanding that, the BNI, Ghana Immigration service and the National Security should begin screening, arresting and preparing their operatives at the Kotoka International airport to face our justice system, for allowing such a colossal amount of drugs to pass through their system without any notice or apprehension.

We also demand that the Head of security and Immigration at the Kotoka International airport must be relieved from their duty pending the investigation and determination of the case.

It is utterly unacceptable for government to engage in witch-hunting and diversionary tactics that seeks not to only gag the media and to an extent, the general public, but, also, to take the meat out of the matter.

We are by this statement further urging the BNI to refocus their interest in the matter, by finding the real syndicates behind this drug scandal. It cannot be the case that the alleged drug peddler carried out this audacious move in isolation.

Government must show serious commitment in fighting this drug menace rather than engaging in 'Hitler-tactics' and facing-saving propaganda.

Ghanaians must know the truth, as we have reasons to believe that, there are more questions than answers, and we shall keenly follow this case as it progresses.

. SIGNED...

Ghana Must Know Movement

Chief Mohammed Obosu 0244073028

Davis Opoku Ansah 0244861593