This is a little feature I wrote about the way some Ghanaians misuse their their Freedom speech. what do u think about it? MAINTAIN OUR DEMOCRATIC STABILITY NOW!!! By Agbedohia Stephen It has been defined as a system of government in which the views of the citizenry are taken into consideration for the developments of the states; either directly or indirectly, democracy it is called. The system which originated from the ancient Greeks has been accepted and widely practiced by most countries across the world with Ghana not being an exception. Ghana after several military regimes, accepted multi-party democracy in 1992 and has since made tremendous success. Especially being able to hold six (6) peaceful elections, and upholding the respect of rights and liberties of the individuals has made her a beacon of democracy in Africa. Notwithstanding the achievements, we cannot downplay the fact that our politics is having some negative effect on our country. Our politics from my observation is weakening the police other security services and rendering them helpless in enforcing law and other in our dear country. The security services difficulties in dealing with citizens who are belong to political parties when the break the law and I think this threatens the future peace and security of our nation. Prior to the 2012 election series of insightful statements were made by members of some political parties, in fact some of those statements could have sparked up chaos and conflict which could have destabilized the peace we enjoyed as a nation. Some of these dangerous statements even came from members of parliament. The most shocking moments are when those who made such statements are named as heroes by their political parties. I wonder what kind of legacy such people have ever wanted to leave behind for the young once. Do they want to create a society where children can insult people and think it is normal? This practice is never a part of the rich Ghanaian culture and it must be never be allowed to into our culture. Going forward, are the security agencies going to allow these individuals to continue with their irresponsible acts? The freedom of speech and expression entrenched in the 1992 constitution seemed to be abused and miss- applied by some individuals. Some have capitalized on the freedom to insult and make derogatory statements which does not auger well for the peace and security of our nation, and it marvels me when the police and Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) sits and virtually do nothing hence making these individuals feel they are above the law, basically because they belong to party A or B. Comparably, people who commits basic crimes such as stealing goats, tubers of yam, as well as pick pocketing, mobile phone snatching among others, do not escape justice. If the police and other agencies can prosecute those who commit these basic crimes, what is preventing them from bringing people who make statements to incite other to book? Is it because of their political affiliation, or they are above the law? Article 202 (1) of the 1992 constitution states “the inspector general of police shall be appointed by the president in consultation with the council of state”. This power of the president to appoint the IGP and some heads of the security agencies makes is a factor that is contributing to the political interference in the work of the police. Because the IGP is appointed by the president, it makes it difficult for the police service to deal with members of the ruling parties when they offend the law. I as well as other well meaning Ghanaians are tired of these reckless who will not allow us have the peace of mind to go about our duties peacefully. I expect the new IGP to jump on the gun and arrest this behavior which is increasingly growing in our politics before it becomes too late to handle. I appeal to inspector general of police as well as heads of all other security agencies to be up and doing and enforce the laws as mandated but the constitution and discharge their duties as without fear or favor. Let us not forget Ghana is the only place we have and we cannot afford to destroy it. “GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA, AND MAKE OUR NATION GREAT AND STRONG”