Ghanaians must respect divergent views – Nduom

The leader of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom is of the view that until Ghanaians cultivate respect for divergent views the country has “quite a long way to go.”

Nduom in a Facebook post said: “While we mourn Alhaji Adams Mahama, we should deal with one root cause of our lack of significant forward march as a people - intolerance.”

The late Mahama was the Upper East regional chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). He was showered with acid last Wednesday by unknown assailants leading to his death at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital the next day.

The NPP is currently in crisis as incensed supporters and elected regional executives are calling for the resignation of its national chairman Paul Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong for their alleged involvement in the killing.

Six regions – Central, Western, Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta and Upper West – have passed a vote of no confidence in the two national executives with the remaining regions expected to come to a compromise this week.

Dr. Nduom has condemned the killing

He said in his post: “Intolerance, lack of respect for divergent views and a desire to wipe out opponents even within the same political party - are these found only in one political party? Evidently not. Are we as a society able to live together with those with dissenting voices? Turn on your radio any day and you will hear ample evidence of the insults our people heap on those whose only crime is that they disagree with someone's opinion about something. We have quite a long way to go.

“When people disagree with the President of the Republic, they are seen to be disrespectful citizens who want to destroy the "father of the nation" and as a father, his word should be the law to be obeyed by all. Every little leader becomes a "chief" who is a repository of wisdom.”

“While we mourn Alhaji Adams Mahama, we should deal with one root cause of our lack of significant forward march as a people - intolerance.

“All political parties must realize that we live in a society that wants to put everyone in the same straight jacket often. As human as we are, we have minds of our own. We will have ideas that are different from that of others. Some people love fufu. Others prefer kenkey. Kweku will support Ebusua Dwarfs but Kwesi will follow Elmina Sharks. I support PPP but I know no matter what I do, some people will choose NDC, NPP or PNC and I must be ok with it and work harder with positive messages and a good attitude to win people to my party.

“Our choices will differ and we must make this a positive point - and weave a wonderful kente cloth with different colours. When we are able to do this, our country Ghana will become strong and its people prosperous,” Nduom indicated.