Stand Up And Be Counted (2)

Democracy is a critical project whose success or otherwise lies in our ability to support the pillars upon which it hinges.

Any political manoeuvre designed to thwart it in whatever form, overt or covert, is a threat to its survival.

In a country whose main political parties are almost equally divided in terms of numbers, an assortment of opinions is a profound feature; to expect views to take a uniform direction is to demand the impossible because even in a single-party situation, such an expectation is unattainable.

To crudely put impediments in the way of a radio station, simply because it amplifies divergent opinions, is a reflection of a burgeoning hate mentality.

Gagging a section of the media in the name of securing a political establishment is an impish act borne out of desperation.

The obnoxious jamming of the signals of a radio station by faceless individuals, hiding, as it were, behind the panels at the NCA, is part of a scheme sanctioned by government at the highest level and reflects the sorry state of governance in the country.

The dictum that 'those who miss the argument go for the body' could not have been more applicable. Crude and rude tactics such as being unleashed on Oman FM bespeaks impunity intolerable in a country which lays claims to civility.

Luckily, such actions have a short shelve life and would sooner or later outlive their effectiveness.

It is becoming palpable that those currently at the helm of state are unable to contain the heat that goes with the occupation of politics; hence their knee-jerk reactions.

To them, we say, 'If you are unable to weather the storm of political office, get out and do not mess around with the destiny of the country.'

We will not veer away from our constitutionally mandated role of society's sentinel but will continue to stand up for the truth and protection of the Constitution come what may.

The muzzling of others by those momentarily bestowed with the mantle of power is criminal, untoward, impish and even treasonable as per the tenets of the Constitution.

Under the siege in which we are, we can only fetch water to parry the blazing fire next-door should it extend to our house, even as we assist the victims of the blaze to normalize the situation.

We call on the National Media Commission (NMC), Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Independent Broadcasters Association to protect our democracy.

More importantly, we demand the Ghana Peace Council and the National House of Chiefs to take time off their busy schedule of organizing incessant visits to the Presidency in search of freebies and at least stand shoulder to shoulder with us as we fight for the sustenance and protection of democracy and free speech.

Let them condemn what is happening to Oman FM and therefore free speech, because it touches the foundation of our democracy. Posterity will judge them harshly if they don't do that, we can assure them.