Former President John Mahama has called for an end to what he describes as a "culture of hypocrisy and silence.'"

According to him, the freedom of thought and expression must be encouraged among Ghanaians in the country's bid to deepen its democratic credentials.

Mr Mahama said that the trust of Ghanaians in state institutions is fast eroding, and there is the need to invigorate 'fearless honesty' as enjoined by our national anthem.

The Former President made these comments in a Facebook post to commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the June 4 Revolution.

This year’s anniversary is the first after the death of the leader of the June 4 Uprising and the country's first president under the Fourth Republic.

"For the first time, the people of Ghana, comrades, supporters and sympathizers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will commemorate the June 4 Uprising without the physical presence of the founder of our party, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (Rtd.), our former President, who departed from us last year."

Mr Mahama's comments come on the back of similar views expressed by Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Sir Sam Jonah who claimed that the 'culture of silence' was actively being perpetrated.

But, President Akufo-Addo vehemently opposed the claims.

The 2020 NDC presidential candidate believes that the values of June 4, truth, transparency, probity and accountability, espoused some four decades ago, remain relevant in Ghana’s democratic journey.

He also stated that the country is facing a crisis of confidence in political leadership under Akufo-Addo's presidency.

"We must embrace and be guided by truth, transparency, probity and accountability – principles that have been bequeathed unto us, which are the bedrock upon which our nation, undoubtedly, will become great, strong, resilient and prosperous," he stated.

He further said that the country’s economic fortunes and democratic credentials are in dire straits.

Mr Mahama, therefore, proposed broad consultations that will bring the best and brightest together with stakeholders to tackle issues confronting the nation, such as; economic recovery and challenges bedeviling the implementation of the Free SHS policy.