Use freedom of speech responsibly – MP

Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Mfantseman, has advised Ghanaians to use freedom of speech responsibly.

“The freedom of speech which was enshrined in the 1992 Constitution is to help us to come out with suggestions which can help to develop the nation, but not to tarnish its image, and prevent investors from coming to help in building the economy,” the MP stressed.

Mr Quansah who is the Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, gave the advice at a durbar organized by the Nyimfa Division of Nkusukum Traditional Area, to mark the Annual Ayerye Festival of the Division at Nankesedo.

He pointed out that the way Ghanaians were using freedom of speech as a political weapon to destroy innocent citizens and the nation as a whole, would not augur well for the nation’s young democratic dispensation.

“People just get up and say anything without verifying the truth, damn the consequences,” he said.

Mr Quansah appealed to leaders of political parties to meet and find ways to curb “this nasty development in our political arena,” before it gets out of hand.

He pointed out that if prompt action was not taken to arrest this canker, it would be difficult for the nation to get responsible citizens to go into politics or take up political appointments in the near future, for the fear of getting their hard won reputation destroyed through unfounded allegations.

Nana Baa the Seventh, Nyimfahen of Nkusukum and Chief of Nankesedo, expressed concern about how politics was introducing indiscipline into the society.

“Politics has thrown discipline which was the hallmark of the Ghanaian society, to the dogs,” the chief said.

He said politics had made governance extremely difficult, even at the local level.

“Chiefs are finding it difficult to control their citizens these days, all because of the indiscipline which politics is generating,” he stressed.

Nana Baa wondered why people can now make derogatory remarks on the airwaves about the President of the nation, and go scot-free.

He appealed to Parliament to enact a law to protect the image of the President and that of other leaders.

Source: GNA