The University of Ghana’s UG-UTAG chapter strongly criticizes National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah’s recent remarks.
During a seminar on “Impact of Disinformation on Electoral Integrity, Peace and Security in Africa,” held in Accra, the minister implied that some figures in academia, civil society, and the media might be leveraging their influence to encourage actions that could disrupt the country through the dissemination of false information.
In reaction, UG-UTAG expressed concern about the possible repercussions of such statements, particularly in terms of suppressing the open expression of dissenting viewpoints and impinging on the fundamental right to free speech.
“The University of Ghana Branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG), has noted with concern some comments purportedly made by the National Security Minister, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah.
“According to the Honorable Minister, some identified individuals in academia (we believe, including UG-UTAG Members), civil society, and the media, are leveraging their influence in society to incite a coup to destabilize the country through spreading of mis/disinformation without adducing any evidence to support the claim.
“We do not support any individual or groups calling for a coup in Ghana, but at the same time, we won’t be gagged from speaking our minds forcefully on all important national issues. We would fiercely resist any attempt, including political commentary, that has the potency to usher us into the dark days of a culture of silence,” part of the statement dated October 20, read in part.
UG-UTAG emphasized that the effective prevention of coups and military involvement in politics hinges on good governance, anti-corruption initiatives, prudent economic stewardship, and the proactive enactment of policies that benefit the underprivileged.
They contend that these actions can contribute to narrowing the wealth gap and fostering the growth of a robust middle class in society.
“The antidote to coups and military interventions in politics, are good governance, fight against corruption, proper management of the economy, and the implementation of proactive pro-poor policies, that can help bridge the gap between the poor and the rich, as well as create a vibrant Middle Class in society.
“While we call on the government to imbibe the antidotes listed above to secure our peace and promote political stability, we also ask for a national dialogue and conversation on how to guard against the threats of coups and safeguard our peace in Ghana,” the statement added.
Read the full statement below
For Immediate Release
All Media
20th October 2023
CONDEMNATION OF NATIONAL SECURITY MINISTER’S ATTACKS ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH OF ACADEMIA, CSOS AND MEDIA
1.University of Ghana, Acera-The University of Ghana Branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG), has noted with concern some comments purportedly made by the National Security Minister, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah.
2.According to the Honorable Minister, some identified individuals in academia (we believe, including UG-UTAG Members), civil society, and the media, are leveraging their influence in society to incite a coup to destabilize the country through spreading of mis/disinformation without adducing any evidence to support the claim.
3.We take a serious exception to the Minister’s statement and condemn it in no uncertain terms, as it has the tendency to gag the expression of dissenting opinion on what government does with the fiduciary trust reposed in it, by the people. It also has the potency to prevent these individuals from exercising their fundamental rights to free speech.
4.We do not support any individual or groups calling for a coup in Ghana. But at the same time, we won’t be gagged from speaking our minds forcefully on all important national issues. We would fiercely resist any attempt, including political commentary, that has the potency to usher us into the dark days of culture of silence.
5.The antidote to coups and military interventions in politics, are good governance, fight against corruption, proper management of the economy and the implementation of proactive pro-poor policies, that can help bridge the gap between the poor and the rich, as well as create a vibrant Middle Class in society.
6.While we call on the government to imbibe the antidotes listed above to secure our peace and promote political stability, we also ask for a national dialogue and conversation on how to guard against the threats of coups and safeguard our peace in Ghana.
SIGNED
Prof. Ransford E. V. Gyampo
President, UG-UTAG
revgyampo@ug.edu.gh
+233244277275
Cc:
Minister for National Security
Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison Secretary, UG-UTAG jjharrison@ug.edu.gh +233201068889
P. O. Box LG 1118, UPO- Legon, Ghana
+233 (0)303 974 655 / +233 (0)24 427 7275/ +233 (0)20 106 8889 Outagoffice@ug.edu.gh