Yesterday, the Supreme Court exercised its powers to punish what in the court�s opinion constituted contemptuous remarks and commentary by some persons in our country. During the proceedings, a comment was passed by Justice William Atuguba, the presiding Judge that struck a chord in the Progressive People�s Party.
Justice Atuguba said as follows: �One thing we have noticed is this, some of you politicians, you think you are too clever and very stubborn. I am talking very frankly, some of you feel that you are courting executive power and that is paramount over all other powers, you can do all that you want and get away with it but the state has three arms of government. ������..But some feel that the executive wing is the most potent and therefore the others you don�t have to take them seriously.�
The PPP feels strongly that the comments made by Justice Atuguba are in the right direction. The attitude of some politicians is not only an affront to the Judiciary but in a number of instances completely unacceptable in a dignified and civilized society. We are of the opinion that some political leaders in this country have demonstrated lack of concern for the usage of abusive and foul language on the airwaves. Others have acted with impunity in violation of our laws and others have used their party cards or membership of political parties as an insurance against arrest and possible prosecution.
We even have living testimonies of individuals who have been rewarded with Deputy Ministerial portfolios for demonstrating an unparalleled ability to vilify political opponents in this country. We no longer debate the merits and demerits of policy alternatives. Good ideas are deflected because of the person who is making it and the name of his or her political party. We have relegated decent politics, respect for political opponents and rather embraced mediocrity, lawlessness, impunity and reckless management of public services in the name partisan politics.
It is a big shame and a serious indictment on the political elite to wait for a Supreme Court Judge to comment on this bad specter of our national life. The PPP when it came to the political scene promised to be disciplined and has committed itself to demonstrating the competence of its leaders and to fight corruption starting with its leadership. It is obvious that the PPP is unique. It is the only political party that is going to the people to discuss what its people can do to unite the country, raise the quality of Ghanaian life and solve the problems that confront us � no insults, no disrespect. We are not inciting people to violent behavior.
We believe the greatest lesson for us all is to show respect to our institutions and culture as decent people and do proper politics befitting of a civilized society. Another lesson is for civil society groups and professional bodies to speak up when the politicians are driving this country on dangerous road of self destruction as William Atuguba JSC did yesterday.
We are wide awake and watching!
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