Kofi Bentil has urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant in protecting democratic freedoms, saying citizens should not wait until their rights have been eroded before taking action. He made the comments on JoyNews' Newsfile, in the aftermath of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration in Accra.
Expanding the Frontiers of Freedom
For Mr. Bentil, the preservation of democracy requires continuous vigilance and a willingness to challenge developments that could undermine constitutional freedoms. He said, "For me, I am not waiting for all of our democracy to be removed from under our feet and for us to fall down before we rise up." He emphasized that citizens should stay at the forefront and ensure that they expand the frontiers of freedom.
Assessing the Government's Record
The NPP demonstration was sparked by the party's concerns over threats to Ghana's democracy and the weakening of key state institutions under the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). Mr. Bentil suggested that the ultimate assessment of the government's record would come from its decisions and actions taken during its time in office. He noted that two years of the administration's tenure had already elapsed, making it possible for citizens to begin assessing its record.
The Debate on Selective Justice
Mr. Bentil acknowledged that there were arguments on both sides of the debate over whether selective justice exists in Ghana. He said that those arguing for selective justice would have enough facts to back what they are saying, but those who are also arguing that we don't have selective justice would have their case too. He suggested that the government's record over its four-year mandate would ultimately provide the proof of the pudding.
The Importance of Citizen Action
For Mr. Bentil, the willingness of citizens to challenge authority is itself an important safeguard against the concentration of political power. He warned against a situation in which citizens only react after institutions and constitutional protections have already been significantly weakened. He has previously argued that democratic decline can happen gradually, rather than through a single dramatic event.
The Future of Ghana's Democracy
The debate over Ghana's democracy and the NPP's demonstration have sparked a national conversation on the importance of protecting democratic freedoms. As the country moves forward, it remains to be seen whether citizens will remain vigilant in defending their rights and challenging developments that could undermine constitutional freedoms. Mr. Bentil's message is clear: citizens should stay at the forefront and ensure that they expand the frontiers of freedom.
Source: Joy Online
