The University of Ghana Branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG-UTAG) is urging government to practice good governance which is the antidote to coups and military take-overs in Ghana and Africa as a whole.
According to the group, if the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah and the ruling government are worried about coups, the surest way to avoid it is to implement good governance practices instead of trying to silence individuals in academia, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media from speaking on national issues.
UG-UTAG’s remarks come as a response to the National Security Minister’s claim that some individuals in academia, civil society and the media are actively exploiting their influence to promote a coup and destabilise the country.
Describing the trend as worrying and a threat to the country’s democracy, Mr. Kan Dapaah said that the development is a matter of serious concern not only to security operatives but to all citizens as the country nears the polls in December 2024.
However, UG-UTAG in a statement replied that “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.”
They also called on the government to foster a national dialogue and conversation on how to
guard against the threats of coups and safeguard our peace in Ghana beyond imbibing the antidotes listed above to secure our peace and promote political stability.
Additionally, UTAG said it would vehemently oppose any attempt to be gagged from speaking their minds forcefully on all important national issues.
“We do not support any individual or groups calling for a coup in Ghana. But at the same
time…We would fiercely resist any attempt, including political commentary, that has the potency to
usher us into the dark days of culture of silence,” portions of the statement read.
Below is the full statement:
