I read with concern the behaviour of Mr Akuffo during the questioning of his client Ibrahim Sima, by NACOB. Aggressive, rude and offensive behaviour towards public officers is not acceptable and must not be tolerated. Following the recent discussions about the rights of suspects to lawyers, it was commendable that NACOB had aloud the suspect access to his lawyer. However, the right of a lawyer to represent his client is no license to be aggressive and offensive towards public officers, whether in court or other settings.

Pointing your finger at another while speaking to them, in an agitated state with raised voice as described by the Executive Secretary is aggressive, threatening and unacceptable. And that is why I fully support the bold decision of Mr Akrasi Sarpong to ask Mr Akuffo to leave the room.

In some countries not only would people be removed from a meeting or denied service for rude and threatening behaviour, but you could be reported to the police and charged. Let’s continue to expect high standards of our public officers. But let’s do so with respect, courtesy and maturity. People, whether civilian or public officers, deserve respect. It is too common in our society for people in all manner of situations to be threatening and aggressive towards others. It is as though shouting and threatening behaviour is the only way we can deal with difficult and challenging situations. Physical violence flows naturally from this aggression, and it is not uncommon for people to trade blows in public in the course of simple disagreements that could be ended by both sides agreeing to disagree. We have seen public figures resort to blows in FM stations. What happened to tolerance? What happened to assertiveness skills? Mr Akuffo’s behaviour, as described by the Executive Secretary, was rude and aggressive and the Executive Secretary was right in sending him out of the meeting. We have to defend public officers from violence and aggression- be it physical or verbal, and those public officers who do assert their rights should be commended. Well done Mr Akrasi Sarpong.

Alfred Donkor Odzidzator. email alfreddon2@yahoo.co.uk