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Our society is becoming too aggressive
in defending view points– Okudzeto
Accra, Dec. 05, Ghanadot/GNA – Mr Samuel Okudzeto, former
President of Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on Wednesday
postulated that Ghanaians are intolerant to opposing views,
which is dangerous to democratic development of the nation.
“Our society is becoming more aggressive and resort to
violent words, actions and gestures to defend their view
points…resisting any alternative suggestions,” Mr Okudzeto
stated at the third annual Human Rights lectures in Ghana.
The lecture on the general theme: “Fifty Years of the Rule
of Law in Ghana: Assessing Human Rights Protection,” was
jointly organised by the Commonwealth Human Rights
Initiative Africa Regional Office in Accra (CHRI), Ghana Bar
Association (GBA); Commission for Human Rights and
Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
Mr Okudzeto called for systematic efforts to sensitize
Ghanaians on rights and limitations and civic responsive
behaviour.
Speaking on: “Instant Justice, The Criminal Justice System
and Human Rights in Ghana,” Professor Ken Attafuah Executive
Director of Justice Human Rights Institute, called on the
national security to adopt effective measures to find a
lasting solution to the menace of mob justice.
He said mob actions (instant justice) have never solved any
problem since the creation of the world. We do not use
illegalities to solve illegalities.
"The path of true justice may be frustrating and time
consuming but its results are more convenient than any other
form of settling disputes," he said.
Prof. Attafuah said, “mob justice presents a serious
challenge for our democratic society," he added and
expressed worry about the growing act of lawlessness and
gross injustices in Ghana.
"It is good to reduce crime but people must not take the law
into their own hands," he said, while commending the various
human rights groups for their stand on the menace.
He however said he appreciated why a cross-section of the
public became enraged at criminals and frustrations about
the slow manner in which the law worked.
However, it was still necessary for people to respect the
law as the only way to promote peace and stability,
reminding Ghanaians; "we together opted to go by the rule of
law".
Speaking on Human Rights and Social Justice in Ghana at 50:
Have we come of Age?, Mr Richard Quayson a Deputy CHRAJ
Commissioner noted the achievement of the ideals of
democracy in Ghana depends on an environment that is
supportive of fundamental human rights of all persons.
He therefore suggested that the promotion of good governance
and human rights culture should not be left only in the
executive, legislature and judiciary, “Young people
especially, have distinct capabilities and can contribute to
human rights advancement.”
Mr Quayson said democracy and human rights education would
encourage individuals to respect the rights of others and
not discriminate against them on the grounds of sex,
religion, ethnic origin, amongst others.
The CHRAJ Commissioner called for cordial Police-civilian
relationships, which, he said, were vital to the promotion
of security and stability in any society, without which a
nation’s democracy is threatened.
“We are all dismayed at the excessive use of force by the
police on several occasions over the years. It is important
for us to recognise the role that the police play in
maintaining law and order,” he stated.
GNA
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