Politicians are taking away freedom of speech from Ghanaians –Professor Agbozo

The Ghana Evangelical Society has observed that some politicians are trying to deny Ghanaians their freedom of speech guaranteed by the constitution.

According to the society, there are many who could contribute meaningfully to national debate but are now coiling in their shells for fear of insults, vilification and name calling from “Ghanaian politicians”.

Reverend Professor Enoch Immanuel Agbozo made the observation on behalf the society at a press briefing on Monday in Accra and called for a special “Three day National Prayer and Fast for Ghana” for God’s divine intervention for a peaceful election from 21 to 23 November 2012.

He explained that the “culture of silence” that was experienced in the past was gradually creeping into the country even though Ghana was under a constitutional rule and urged Ghanaians not to allow that to happen again.

Reverend Professor Agbozo called on political parties to work towards achieving peace, pointing out that righteousness, truth, honesty and loyalty to the state were the required values needed from all Ghanaians for the building of a prosperous nation.

He noted that loyalty was a critical value that was lacking in Ghanaians and its corporate bodies and called for its embedment in the national character to help unify the nation for development.

He said Ghana was on the verge of establishing its true identity saying that could be achieved through the maintenance of peace and stability to enhance its growth and progress as a democratic nation.

Reverend Professor Agbozo appealed to Ghanaians, especially all religious organizations to rise together as one people “crying unto the one holy and living God” in supplication and intercession for him to grant Ghana peaceful elections.

On corruption, he said it canker has eaten deep into the fibre of Ghanaians, even in the churches, the political arena and other sectors of the economy.

Some political parties were using corrupt practices, such as diversion of public funds, vote buying, abuse of facilities and empty promises to win elections and that those involved in such practices had no moral right to stay in government.