The University of Ghana UTAG is up in arms with National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah alleging that some individuals in academia are inciting a coup to destabilize the country.
The Minister said these academics were spreading disinformation and misinformation without providing any evidence to support their claims.
In a sharp response, University of Ghana UTAG said the minister’s comment has the potential to infringe on individuals’ fundamental rights to free speech.
This was contained in a press statement dated 20 October 2023 and jointly signed by University of Ghana UTAG President Prof. Ransford E. V. Gyampo and Secretary Dr. Jerry Joe Harrison.
“The UG-UTAG takes a serious exception to the Minister’s statement and condemns it in no uncertain terms, as it has the tendency to gag the expression of dissenting opinions on the government’s actions”. The release emphasized.
According to University of Ghana UTAG thought they do not support any individuals or groups calling for a coup, members of academia would not be gagged from speaking their minds on national issues.
“We would fiercely resist any attempt, including political commentary, that has the potency to usher us into the dark days of culture of silence.”
“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 for policies that bridge the gap between the poor and the rich, as well as create a vibrant middle class in society,” UTAG UG said.
Story: Prince Ahenkorah/Radiogoldlive.com
