Government has said it will not exhibit any leniency in dealing with individuals found to have undermined the security of the state following the incendiary comments by two panelists on Montie FM.
A statement signed by the Interior Minister, Prosper Bani, said government “expects the security agencies to take firm action against persons whose utterances and actions undermine the peace, security and stability of the state.”
[contextly_sidebar id=”mDDDmzOZSDvp276LGziknZlg00L8szYz”]The Montie FM panelists Alistair Nelson, along with one Godwin Ako Gunn, allegedly threatened to “finish” the Supreme Court and High Court judges if they made any judgment against the Electoral Commission (EC) in the ongoing court case challenging the validity of the voters’ register.
The two have been widely rebuked for the comments with the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on Friday further calling for the arrest and prosecution of the two, saying the comments “were also meant to incite hatred among the public against the judges.”
The statement further noted that, “while Government continues to respect freedom of expression, offensive and irresponsible conduct by sections of the media and some political actors/commentators.”
Government has further warned media to be wary of the laws of the pertaining to national security and public order as they go about their activities.
“Owners and employees of mass media outlets are reminded that they are subject to laws pertaining to national security, public order, the protection of reputations and rights and freedoms of others.”
Find below the full statement.
GOVERNMENT ASSURES THE JUDICIARY, MANAGERS OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS AND ALL GHANAIANS OF THEIR SAFETY
Government has noted the rising spate of abusive and incendiary language used by some political actors and the threat this poses to the nation’s security and stability.
Government condemns the offensive and irresponsible conduct by sections of the media and some political actors/commentators.
While Government continues to respect freedom of expression, it expects the security agencies to take firm action(s) against persons whose utterances and actions undermine the peace, security and stability of the state.
In this regard Government notes the swift action taken by the Bureau of National Investigations to ensure the safety and security of members of the Judiciary.
Additionally Government is taking steps to enhance the personal security of Judges to enable them discharge their functions without fear or favour.
Government also notes the upsurge in inflammatory rhetoric against key managers of the electoral process calculated to compromise their independence and security and is taking further steps to improve their personal security.
Indeed Government wishes to assure the general public that it will not shirk its responsibility to protect the peace and security of the country.
Owners and employees of mass media outlets are reminded that they are subject to laws pertaining to national security, public order, the protection of reputations and rights and freedoms of others.
POSPER D.K. BANI, MINISTER, Issued In Accra on Monday, 4th July, 2016
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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana