In his Nobel Prize lecture (December 11, 1950), Bertrand Russell posited: "If men envisage human life as a struggle to get the better of Mother Nature and not consider our fellow human beings as our enemy, cooperation of the whole human race would become easy. And men could easily be brought to view life in this way if schools, newspapers, and politicians devoted themselves to this end. But schools are out to teach patriotism [nationalism]; newspapers are out to stir up excitement; and politicians are out to get re-elected. None of the three, therefore, can do anything towards saving the human race from reciprocal suicide."
In my yesterday's article which was captioned, "The Arrest of Ken Agyapong and the state of Ghana" I wrote that, "For a fact the statement above are strong words which needn’t to be uttered on such an influential radio like Oman FM. It’s a declaration of war which threatens the peace of Ghana. But in intellectual considerations, Mr. Agyapong’s obsession and comment are justifiable based on preceding cases which have been neglected by the Ghana police."
Today, I do hereby apologize to my sincere readers for using the word "justifiable". I think it was not an appropriate word to use and directly messed up the idea I was trying to project. Many thought I was supporting the rant remarks of Mr. Agyapong which in my right mind is far away from me.
Mr. Agyapong's arrest is appropriately in line with justice and equity. Such a blatant war declaration shouldn't be made and as a public figure and law maker, he must learn how to use words. It is very unfortunate but he deserves what has befallen him. But what should it tell us? What next?
As I said in my article referring to previous cases whereby justice was either delayed or denied, Mr. Agyampong's arrest should open up a gateway to the arrest of all those who act to threaten the nation with violence and terror. This is an open opportunity for the Ghana police to redeem and rectify the past mistakes. Other than that, Ghana is heading towards danger.
Further, the Ghanaian police must be very careful in handling this case looking at the tension at hand. In as much as justice demands pay back, they shouldn’t forget the all-die-be-die sentiment which is swirling among the populace. Ghana is becoming a den of angry mobs. Let’s us be careful!
Mr. Agyapong’s treasonable genocidal remarks should make all of us understand that, when justice is long delayed or denied, people will take advantage to cause chaos in Ghana. We shouldn’t turn Ghana into Orwell’s Animal Farm (1945), “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.” When it is X party and OK, but Y party NO then where is the nation heading towards? I’m happy that Ghana is not ready to go for war now. If Mr. Agyapong thinks that he knows how to fight, he should lunch his own war without using “we”.
Some words of advice to my Ewe, Ashante and Ga brothers and sisters and whoever is pinned by Mr. Agyapong’s remark. I just want you to see this issue as coming from one man. This isn’t a declaration by the Otumfo Asantehene or Osagyefo Amoatia or Ga Mantse. To my readers, please know that we have a big work to do. We must all work hard to break some of these barbaric tribalistic sentiments from the system. I wish somebody will set up an anti-tribalism movement in Ghana. If it exists already, let’s rally behind them to achieve this. We are Ghanaians simple! May God save our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong!
NB: Please share your candid opinion on this article and respect the views of others. If you are here for insult, please you don’t belong here. Thank you.
Clifford Owusu-Gyamfi University of Lausanne
