A Ghanaian Policy Think Tank, the Centre for Social Justice(CSJ), believes the recent arrest of journalists and activists is the government’s attempt to instill in Ghanaians a culture of silence.
The group in a statement following the recent arrest of journalists and activists in the country urged opinion leaders to be circumspect in their utterances but stressed that the real issue at stake is not about journalists or activists who have gone overboard in their criticism.
“A close look at all the arrests and the views expressed, leading to the arrests, reveals a common thread. Economically, these are very difficult times for ordinary Ghanaians. The cost of living is high, and many of our compatriots are barely scraping by.”
“The frustration of the Ghanaian people, variously expressed by the men who have been arrested is that we do not see the political elite making the kinds of sacrifices they are demanding of Ghanaians.”
“Citizens have also noted the reluctance of the government to account for monies spent,” it added.
CSJ advised the government to listen and take immediate and significant steps to reduce waste and corruption.
This, according to the group is the only way to get Ghanaians to willingly make more sacrifices.
CSJ also urged the government to cease the “high-handed responses to criticism and allow for a healthy debate on national issues.”
It cautioned the government over its posture, adding that it will only make Ghanaians angrier.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 65th independence anniversary as a country, the CSJ encourages all Ghanaians to be bold and defend the freedom and justice our ancestors won for us at such a high cost.”
Within three weeks, four journalists and activists have been arrested by the police often for allegations they made on radio or on social media which according to the police are investigated by them and found to be false.
The arrested persons include; Accra FM’s Bobie Ansah, Power FM’s Oheneba Boamah Bennie, and the Executive Director of the Alliance For Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), Mensah Thompson who were all slapped with the charge of the publication of false news and offensive conduct.
The development has reignited conversations on whether Ghana has returned to the dark days of criminal libel where many journalists were incarcerated over publications they made.
