General News of Friday, 4 June 2010

Source: GNA

June 4 Uprising is an impetus for accountability - Cadres

Accra, June 4, GNA - Cadres of the June 4 Revolution on Thursday lauded the 1979 political event as a platform that reinstated constitutional rule with dignified respect for human rights and the rule of law. They asserted that the revolution prevented the nation from disintegrating by empowering the masses to participate in the process of good governance.

In addition, it opened the way for the proclamation of a national constitution, which provided the institutions for accountability. This was contained in a statement issued in Accra and jointly signed by Mr Martin A.B.K. Amidu, Minister of the Interior and Mr Kofi Portuphy, National Coordinator of National Disaster Management Organisation to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the Military Uprising.

It said: "The military now is dignified and playing the role of defending the territorial integrity of our country; the press today is free with freedom of expression."

The statement said opponents of the June 4 Uprising would forever remain opposed and blinded to its tenets because their forbearers were part of the unholy alliance with the overthrow of military dictatorship, adding: "These are the descendants and beneficiaries of the loot and greed of that era.".

It said continuous celebration of the June 4 anniversary was a constant reminder that the mass of the people would no longer tolerate those politicians and their cronies who sought political office only to enrich themselves, to appropriate illegally for themselves and their families State funds and State properties to the disadvantage of the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians.

The statement called on cadres to build an enviable democratic nation, by relentlessly striving to uphold the tenets of the revolution. "Country men and women, comrades and friends, all too soon, we are marking the 31st anniversary of the June 4 Uprising. As a significantly distinct event in the historical development of our heritage, we salute the patriotic gallant men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces who sacrificed to lead and direct the uprising."

"We also salute the entire citizenry for their commitment to the ideals of the uprising. That is probity, accountability, transparency, and good governance," the statement stressed. 4 June 10