Resist Coups - Capt. (rtd) Sowu

The National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) has been urged to sensitize Ghanaians on the need to resist any attempt at coup d'etat in the country.

Captain (Rtd) Joel Kwame Sowu, who made the call, said resisting coup d'etats is the only way that Ghanaians can defend the nation's constitution.


Speaking at a three-day seminar organized by the commission for chiefs, assembly and unit committee members in the Ahanta West district at the Busia Beach Resort last week, Cpt. Sowu noted that the call has become necessary because as lovers of democracy, many Ghanaians tend to join the bandwagon whenever there is a coup d'etat.


According to him, this impulsive action is more often than not carried out of ignorance of constitutional rights. Sensitizing the electorate therefore will go a long way to check coup makers who have since independence used the military to ride on the backs of the people.


Recalling the various coup d'etats Ghana has suffered since independence, Captain Sowu regretted that they have brought nothing but mental agony to the people and it was about time Ghanaians said a big "NO" to coup d'etats.


Reacting to the captain's call, the chief of Aboade, Nana Etsienne Kofi II, traced the current economic hardship facing the country to coup d'etats, particularly the 1979 uprising.


Nana was however quick to add that Ghanaians will rise up to resist coups if and only if there is good governance where governments formulate good policies and programmes to alleviate the suffering of the people.

He was quite forthright in stating that the people will never sacrifice themselves for greedy and selfish ministers of state and other government functionaries who are only interested in amassing wealth for themselves and their families when poverty, hunger and starvation stare ordinary Ghanaians in the face.


In another development, a traditional ruler has suggested


that Ghanaians must be well educated on measures to take to defend the constitution should it be under threat of overthrow by an individual or group of people.


Nana Akwasi Ango II, Tutuampahene of Denkyira Traditional Area, said the police must also be educated to refuse to arrest any political office holder when instructed by the group trying to destabilize the constitution.


Nana Ango was speaking on the topic "A decade of constitutionalism, Strategies for consolidation" at a forum organized by the Upper Denkyira District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).


The forum formed part of activities marking the Constitution Week celebrations in the District.

Nana Ango suggested that it should be obligatory for workers except medical personnel to refuse to work under such circumstances.


Nana Ango said the NCCE should be resourced to embark on an intensive and sustained public education regarding the need to protect the constitution.


Mr George Nkrumah, Upper Denkyira District Director of the NCCE, advised political parties "to accept defeat during general elections in good faith and not to consider genuine victories by opponents as fraudulent."


Mr Nkrumah said it was crucial for political parties, their members and sympathizers, to have faith in the electoral system since it was only that means through which the country's democracy could be properly nurtured and sustained.