We can’t condone barbaric mob culture – NCCE

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has condemned the “disturbing” mob culture being displayed across various communities in the country.

“As a people, we cannot condone such barbaric acts through silence. We must unite in our demand from all relevant law enforcement agencies that these perpetrators be brought to book speedily, and within the confines of the law,” it said in a statement.

The NCCE’s statement follows the gruesome murder of Captain Maxwell Mahama by irate youth of Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region on suspicion that he was an armed robber, after a group of residents from whom he asked for directions during a Monday dawn jogging session spotted a pistol on him.

While mourning with the family of the late soldier, the NCCE said it had noted with deep concern “the recent attack on officers of the Ghana Police Service stationed in Somanya and the wanton destruction of property in the area. Previous attacks by Delta Force members on a Magistrate Court in Kumasi and forceful release of alleged perpetrators from custody are all evidence of an emerging mob mentality and culture which threaten the peace and order in our nation”.

“The NCCE strongly condemns this disturbing mob culture being displayed across various Ghanaian communities. As a people, we cannot condone such barbaric acts through silence. We must unite in our demand from all relevant law enforcement agencies that these perpetrators be brought to book speedily and within the confines of the law,” it said.

Furthermore, the Commission called on the members of the Ghana Armed Forces to exercise renstraint in their quest to find the perpetrators. “As difficult as it may be, they must not only remember their mandate but ensure the memory of their colleague is upheld with integrity and honour,” the NCCE urged.

The NCCE also urged Ghanaians and in particular the media to be circumspect in their comments and discussions. “We all must take responsibility for our actions and utterances in moments of potentially heightened tensions where reckless behaviour, if left unabated, can lead to the breakdown of law and order with adverse effect on our democracy,” the statement added.

The commission reminded Ghanaians that Articles 13(1) of the 1992 Constitution enjoins “us all as citizens not to deprive any person of his or her life intentionally. Article 15(1) enjoins citizens not to violate the dignity of any person. It is imperative for us to show respect for due process and uphold the rule of law”.