The 2020 Presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on political leaders to uphold the freedom of expression as stipulated in the 1992 constitution of the country.

In an article to commemorate the June 4 Uprising, John Mahama highlighted the numerous hardships being endured by the citizenry presently, adding that Ghanaians have lost confidence in the political leadership.

He, therefore, urged government to accept criticisms and not fuel a “culture of silence” which has become prevalent in recent times under the incumbent administration.

According to him, broad consultations on ways to solve the issues must be held as a matter of urgency before matters spiral out of control.

“Ghana is a country with exceptional human talent. Time is ticking fast, yet we can make things right if we work as one nation with a common destiny. As I have said in the past, broad consultations and consensus-building does not take anything away from a leader.

“Broad consultations that bring the best and brightest together with stakeholders can forge a consensus around issues such as economic recovery strategy or implementational challenges of Free SHS in the national interest,” he stated.

Whilst touting the achievement of former President Jerry John Rawlings with the June 4 revolution, Mr Mahama called for the values which were promoted some four decades ago to be reintroduced to engender hope and confidence amongst the people.

“If we must get our people to hope again and to trust in our institutions and government, then we must encourage “fearless honesty” as enjoined by our national anthem.

"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.

“We must encourage freedom of thought and expression rather than a culture of hypocrisy and silence,” he expressed.

Mr Mahama acknowledged that the opposition NDC will, for the first time in 42 years, commemorate the June 4 revolution without the physical presence of its founder.

He, however, added that Mr Rawlings has a key influence on Ghana's history.