<<Print>>

In an attempt to defend his infamous "violence begets violence" quote, Interior Minister, Mark Woyongo has stated categorically that his choice of words are “biblical” therefore he owes no one an apology during an interview on NEAT FM’s Ghana Montie morning show.

But where in the Bible can this be found or who said violence only begets more violence in the Bible?

The phrase "violence begets violence” [or "hate begets hate"] means that violent behavior promotes other violent behavior, in return – The same phrase has been used for over 50 years, as in speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1958) but he was never featured in the book regarded as authoritative in its field.

However, the New Testament has a similar statement in Matthew 26:52, NIV - "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword" - no reference on Moses.

The similarity of the phrase in the Bible has compelled Mark Woyongo to maintain that his comment meant no evil as purported – “it’s in the Bible so why should people take it out of context that I am encouraging violence? I am not someone who will inspire violence, never.”

“Violence begets violence” is how Mark Woyongo chose to react to the chaotic events of Tuesday’s Talensi by-elections that caused serious security breaches when two politically motivated groups clashed to guard voting proceedings.

“Violence begets violence. Azoka boys will not act violent if they are not provoked. The other side also brought in some people…the Invincible Forces, the Bolga Boys, so violence begets violence.

"What I mean is that if you are a peace lover and someone comes to attack you, definitely you have to protect yourself.” – Woyongo told Ultimate FM in Kumasi day after the elections.

However, in an interview with NEAT FM 100.9 morning show, the beleaguered minister told host Kwesi Aboagye that he is yet to communicate with President Mahama on his twisted comment - “The president is yet to contact me on that”

But he rubbished all calls by individuals and groups for the president to ‘fire’ him or for him to resign from his post – “That is ridiculous”.