Kofi Bentil Warns of Sneaky Threats to Ghana's Democracy
Lawyer and Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has cautioned that Ghana's democracy can gradually deteriorate when laws are applied in ways that exceed the intentions of their framers. Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, August 8, Mr. Bentil emphasized the importance of citizens actively protecting democratic freedoms, particularly when they believe those freedoms are being threatened.
Democratic Freedoms Must be Actively Protected
Mr. Bentil noted that attacks on democratic systems do not necessarily occur suddenly but can develop gradually through the misuse of democratic institutions and laws. He cited historical examples of leaders who rose to power through democratic processes but later used laws and state institutions to weaken constitutional governance. Mr. Bentil referenced Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, arguing that their experiences demonstrate how democratic principles and legal mechanisms can potentially be manipulated to undermine democracy itself.
Protecting Democracy Requires Vigilance
According to Mr. Bentil, Ghana must remain vigilant against practices that could gradually weaken constitutional freedoms. He explained that when laws are applied in ways that exceed their framers' intentions, it can create a "creep" that does not stop. Mr. Bentil also defended the role of protesters and activists in sustaining democracy, saying citizens who take to the streets to challenge leadership should be respected even when others disagree with their demands.
Accountability and the Role of Citizens
Mr. Bentil stressed that political leaders are accountable to citizens and should not regard themselves as rulers over the people. He urged citizens to periodically remind leaders that political authority ultimately belongs to the people. Mr. Bentil acknowledged that Ghana remains a free country and that the situation may not yet amount to a full-scale democratic crisis, but he warned that recent concerns over the application of laws and alleged selective justice should not be dismissed.
Conclusion
Mr. Bentil's warning serves as a reminder that democracy requires constant vigilance. If citizens fail to challenge actions that threaten constitutional rights, freedoms can be lost incrementally. Ghana's democracy is not immune to the threats that have undermined democratic systems in other countries. As Mr. Bentil emphasized, it is up to citizens to actively protect democratic freedoms and hold leaders accountable for their actions.
Source: Joy Online
