The University of Ghana Branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG) has condemned the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, for accusing individuals in academia, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media for using their influence to promote coups in Ghana.
In a press release, the association described the minister’s statement as an attempt to gag the expression of dissenting opinions on national issues.
Mr. Kan Dapaah during a seminar organized by the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on October 19, 2023 said that “in Ghana, a more disconcerting trend is also emerging. Notably following the coup in Niger, certain individuals in academia, civil society and the media, from what I have observed have been propagating false narratives in support of a coup or military rule.”
However, UG-UTAG rebutted that “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.”
Portions of the statement also read that “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.”
The association rather propagated good governance and fight against corruption as antidote to coups and military interventions in politics.
“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.”