The University of Ghana (UG) branch of University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has stated that comments by the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah is an attempt to gag their members.
National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah has accused some individuals in academia, civil society and the media of actively exploiting their influence to promote a coup and destabilize the country.
A section of Ghanaians have questioned the Minister on his comments and others calling on him to provide details.
Speaking on Starr Today with Joshua Ayira, the UG-UTAG Secretary, Dr. Jerry Joe Harrisons stated that the minister’s comments could be described as undemocratic.
“As far as we are concerned there are laws that govern misinformation and disinformation. So the Minister believes that people within academia who are individuals have broken the law they must be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“To create the impression that academics can no longer be able to speak their minds on national issues is unfortunate. We think that this is a deliberate ploy to gag individuals who will want to speak on certain national issues. It has the potential to create fear and panic among our members and we think that this is not good for our democracy,” Dr. Harrisons stated.
He further explained that “democracy calls on people to express their opinions even if it is contrary to what the government wants.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
