Condemn violence and reject intolerance - Clement Apaak

The Forum for Governance and Justice (FGJ) has condemned what is refers to as "acts of violence, lawlessness and intolerance" exhibited by some citizens following the declaration of the election results of the December 7 elections.

“We have a patriotic duty to protect our peace and therefore wish to urge all leaders and identifiable groups; youth groups, religious bodies and groupings, workers groups, civil society organisations and Ghanaians determined to keep our country united and peaceful, to condemn these acts of inhumanity as well as organisations and leaders who have and continue to incite intolerance.”

According to the Forum Ghanaians should "expose and reject intolerant political activists as well as partisan troublemakers."

"We must jealously protect the democracy, peace and stability of our only nation. Without peace, unity and stability, all our dreams, our wishes, our desires, our hopes, our aspirations both personal and as enshrined in our constitution.”

Below is the full statement signed by Dr. Clement Apaak, Convener, Forum for Governance and Justice - Ghana

The Forum for Governance and Justice (FGJ) condemns in the strongest terms, the acts of violence, lawlessness and intolerance exhibited by some citizens related to the outcome of the December 2012 polls. We believe that those responsible for the regrettable acts of violence are in the minority and must not be allowed to derail the peace of our nation.

It is the position of the FGJ that we have a collective responsibility to speak out against violence, and intolerance at all times. Indeed, it is violence and the promotion of violent behaviour that is the greatest threat to peace, unity and stability, and of cause, democracy itself as a form of governance.

We have a patriotic duty to protect our peace and therefore wish to urge all leaders and identifiable groups; youth groups, religious bodies and groupings, workers groups, civil society organisations and Ghanaians determined to keep our country united and peaceful, to condemn these acts of inhumanity as well as organisations and leaders who have and continue to incite intolerance.

As citizens, we must at all times remember that we have one Ghana and have been enjoined by our constitution to promote the peace, unity and stability of our nation. Violence should never be the way to solve our disagreements. Citizen participation in democracy must be peaceful, respectful of the law, and tolerant of the different views of other groups and individuals. Nothing ever justifies using violence against political opponents, just because you disagree with them.

We conclude by calling on the good people of Ghana to expose and reject intolerant political activists as well as partisan troublemakers. We must jealously protect the democracy, peace and stability of our only nation. Without peace, unity and stability, all our dreams, our wishes, our desires, our hopes, our aspirations both personal and as enshrined in our constitution.