In every functioning democracy, the rule of law serves as the cornerstone of peace, justice and national development. In Ghana, our Constitution provides not only the framework for democratic governance but also guarantees lawful mechanisms for addressing grievances, enforcing rights and maintaining order. Despite this, we continue to witness instances where individuals, either out of frustration or impunity, resort to unlawful and dangerous acts choosing instant justice over due process.
A particularly troubling example occurred recently when a Ghanaian man, during a confrontation, openly threatened to shoot police officers. The video of the incident, widely circulated on social media, drew national outrage. Such conduct is not only irresponsible it is criminal. Threatening public officers in the line of duty constitutes a direct attack on state authority and public order. Thankfully, law enforcement swiftly intervened and the suspect was arrested and charged accordingly.
This case, however, is not isolated. It highlights a larger societal concern: the gradual decline in respect for legal procedures and institutions. From mob justice to violent land disputes, and now to online incitement against security agencies, the public discourse is increasingly influenced by emotions, misinformation, and a lack of faith in institutional processes.
It is in this context that the national call to “be guided” becomes not just a slogan, but a legal and moral imperative.
Key Lessons for Every Citizen
1. The Rule of Law is Non-Negotiable
The law is the ultimate authority in any democratic society. No citizen, regardless of status or grievance, has the right to act as judge, jury, and executioner. To do so is to reject the very social contract that binds us together as a nation.
2. Emotions Cannot Replace Justice
While grievances may be legitimate, justice must be pursued through lawful channels. Retaliation, mob action, and public threats often escalate the situation and may turn victims into offenders.
3. Words Have Consequences
In an age where social media amplifies every voice, we must be especially mindful of the words we use. Inciting violence, issuing threats, or making defamatory accusations are all punishable under Ghanaian law.
4. Institutions Must Be Respected and Strengthened
While imperfections exist within our legal and security systems, circumventing them weakens the very fabric of accountability. Constructive criticism and civic engagement—not violence—are the tools for reform.
5. Personal Conduct Reflects National Values
Our actions and speech especially in public must reflect discipline, respect, and responsibility. We cannot demand a lawful society while engaging in lawless conduct ourselves.
Be Guided by Your Words and Actions
The power of words cannot be underestimated. In many cases, they precede violence, provoke unrest, or undermine authority. As citizens, we must choose our words carefully and recognize that public utterances carry weight. What we say, especially about state institutions or fellow citizens, can build or destroy. Let us be guided not only by the law but by the wisdom to pause, reflect, and act with restraint.
Being guided means choosing legal remedies over unlawful retaliation. It means trusting in systems, even as we work to improve them. It means realizing that security is a shared responsibility—and respect for law enforcement is a non-negotiable part of national peace.
Conclusion
As Ghana continues to grow and face complex challenges economic, political, and social there must be a collective resolve to uphold the rule of law. Justice, when delayed, may be frustrating. But justice pursued through unlawful means is not justice at all it is chaos.
We must learn from recent incidents. We must educate our communities, especially the youth, on the value of lawful conduct. And above all, we must act as ambassadors of peace, due process, and responsible citizenship.
Let us not take the law into our own hands. Let us be guided by the law, by our conscience, and by the legacy we hope to leave for future generations.
About the Author:
Wisdom Dickson is a Private Security Analyst, Detective and Consultant in Peace, Security, and Intelligence Management . He holds M.A. in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management, LLB, an Executive Masters in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ,Cert. International Arbitration and certifications in Cyber Forensics and Security Sector Reform.He consults for institutions on lawful security practices and public safety awareness.
