You are here: HomeNews2004 03 09Article 53466

Regional News of Tuesday, 9 March 2004

Source: GNA

Minister of the Gospel advises Activists against attacks on Presidency

Kumasi, March.9, GNA - A Minister of the Gospel has condemned the practice whereby some party activists and some Ghanaians resort to the use of indecent language and attacks on the President and his high office, and advised those engaged in such acts to put a stop to it.

The Reverend Joseph K. Gyimah, Founder of the True Light of Christ Church who made the condemnation, said the Presidency must be respected at all times, "since the President is the father of the nation and symbolises the unity and oneness of Ghanaian as a whole."

Rev. Gyimah made the condemnation in a briefing with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Abrepo, Kumasi, on Tuesday on the sort of contributions expected of Ghanaians to ensure proper development of the country's democracy.

"Any attack on the President or his office, is an attack on the entire country, and turns to portray Ghanaians as immature in the practice of democracy before the international community", he added. Rev. Gyimah said such indecent manner of addressing "our

President also runs counter to our cultural values, since the Ghanaian culture does not countenance a child, or young ones insulting or attacking their fathers, mothers of elders."

Rev. Gyimah said even though the constitution provides for freedom of expression, this should not be misconstrued as going all out to attack political opponents.

He lauded President J.A. Kufour's sterling leadership qualities, as evidenced in his show to tolerance and humility even in the face of attacks, and urged him to keep it up.

Rev. Gyimah however, entreated Ministers of State, and other politicians to emulate such an example by also nurturing in themselves such attributes like tolerance, in the pursuit of their political careers.