Democracy is not under attack – NDC Communicator
NDC communicator rejects NPP's democracy concerns, says constitutional freedoms remain intact
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team for the Navrongo Central Constituency, Norbert Achibase, has dismissed claims that Ghana’s democracy is under attack, insisting that the country’s democratic institutions continue to function effectively.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday, August 7, Achibase said citizens have the right to demonstrate and criticise the government, but such freedoms must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
He argued that the opposition’s ability to organise a peaceful demonstration and submit a petition to the Jubilee House was evidence that democratic rights and freedoms remain intact.
“The 1992 Constitution guarantees the freedom to gather, freedom of procession and demonstrate peacefully under the law. So that is not in doubt,” he stated.
Questioning the basis of the opposition’s claim that democracy is under threat, Achibase asked:
“If democracy is under attack, would you have been able to march to the Jubilee House and present a petition?”
He further drew a distinction between legitimate criticism of government and what he described as defamatory allegations against public officials.
“When you say President Mahama is not doing well, nobody will come and pick you up. But if you say the President is a thief without evidence, that is not criticism; you have gone ahead to defame the President,” he said.
Achibase urged politicians and their supporters to avoid insults and focus instead on issue-based political discourse that contributes to national development.
He stressed that abusive political communication should not be tolerated, regardless of which political party is in power, arguing that political accountability must be applied equally.
He also advised young people to think critically before participating in political demonstrations, cautioning them against being manipulated into activities that could put their lives at risk.
According to him, citizens should carefully assess the reasons behind political actions and support causes that genuinely serve the national interest rather than partisan interests.
Achibase concluded that accountability should apply equally to all citizens and maintained that anyone found to have violated the law should be allowed to face the legal process without political interference.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
