President Mahama's faux pas

I have for some time decided to remain silent on issues, not because I don’t have a voice but I’ve come to realise that as human, anything you say will be interpreted in another way to suit the interpreter.

So when reports of discrimination against Muslims in the Western Region came into the public domain, I once again decided to stay mute.

But today, I’ve come out to speak on the issue because I think a big social blunder has been committed by the first gentleman of our land.

Although the issue seems to be dying out gradually (as has always been the case in Ghana), I still hold the view that our President made a big mistake giving a stern warning to heads of institutions who discriminate on the basis of religion during his state of the nation address in parliament a fortnight ago.

In his words, President Mahama said, “Ghana has enjoyed a long history of religious tolerance…Our constitution in Article 21(1) guarantees the freedom of religion and the freedom to express one’s religious beliefs…Heads of institutions must note this for strict compliance. Appropriate sanctions will be taken against any head of institution who acts contrary to the constitutional provision of our country”.

Yes, it is true that Article 21 (1) of the 1992 constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression; freedom of thought, conscience and belief, which shall include academic freedom; freedom to practise any religion and to manifest such practice; freedom of assembly including freedom to take part in processions and demonstrations (and the list is endless). But it must be kept in mind that freedom is not absolute.

Therefore, your freedom ends where mine begins. And in that sense, how do we even distinguish?

The issue of discrimination is a thorny one which must be approached tactically.

My understanding of the issue from the Western Region is that these students were demonstrating against the abuse of their rights because they were being forced to attend church service in school.

I believe this issue could have been dealt with easily if our dear students were of the understanding that ALL school gatherings (take note of ALL) are compulsory for the sake of discipline.

And for that matter, if you find yourself in a Christian or Muslim institution, it is mandatory for you to attend such gatherings. Having this in mind, neither a Christian nor Muslim will see it as an imposition of another’s faith on his or hers.

This is why I see our President’s speech as a blunder because being the Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces; I believe he is aware that institutions are governed by rules and regulations which must be followed to the letter. Failure of which will lead to lawlessness.

I am glad that the National Peace Council and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) have been directed by the President to initiate a dialogue to foster an amicable understanding of how to operationalize Article 21 (1) of the constitution. 

I wish they would see this issue from my angle and bring this matter to rest.