A former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Obed Asamoah, says mere speeches about coup d’etat are not enough to trigger the arrest of Ghanaians found in the fray.
The wanton detention of citizens for allegedly making comments about threatening coup d’etat merely does not speak well of a democratic dispensation.
This comes in the wake of security agencies arresting some persons over accusations and threats of coup-inciting sentiments.
#FixTheCountry Movement convener, Oliver-Barker Vormawor, is currently facing treason felony charges or a similar situation.
In February, NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Abronye DC was also invited to provide evidence of his allegation against former President John Mahama about a planned government takeover.
But Dr Obed Asamoah insists that "there is a difference between speech and action."
"[If I were the Attorney-General] I will take action only when there is evidence of preparation to carry out a coup. If somebody is only talking, I will just take it to be over-excitement. I won’t go arresting people for that,” he said on Accra-based Citi FM.
Meanwhile, experts such as Dean of the University of Ghana’s Law Faculty, Prof Raymond Atuguba, have warned that "a big part of why certain coups succeed and others fail is the economy."
According to him, the sorry state of Ghana's economy coupled with the public sentiments is one of the reasons why people will make such comments about a potential coup.
“At the level of the most irreducible idiomaticity, Ghana is broke. Your nation is radically broke. So broke, the Speaker of Parliament has publicly warned, gavel in hand, that we may not be able to pay the salaries of public sector workers in the next three months,” the academic said at a public lecture on a review of the 1992 Constitution and its impact on the economy.
Latest Stories
-
Situate power sector challenges within the context of the 4th Republic – Jantuah
19 seconds -
Empowering Youth through IT Education: IT For Youth Ghana College leads the way
7 mins -
Trump criminal case: Full 12-person jury seated in Manhattan
20 mins -
Israel Gaza: US again warns against Rafah offensive
23 mins -
Man arrested in Poland over alleged Russia plot to kill Zelensky
27 mins -
Over 100 arrested as US college Gaza protest cleared
30 mins -
Justmoh Construction begins work on dualization of Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta road
41 mins -
MGL visits Dumor family following passing of Mawuena Trebarh
53 mins -
In Pursuit of Peace and Unity: Interfaith Leaders Promote Dialogue – Chief Doli-Wura to Africa Union
1 hour -
TEWU raises concern over quality of food served in SHS
2 hours -
Ghanaian students gear up for Robotics World Championship
3 hours -
Political interference makes public sector managers appear incompetent – Dr Manteaw
3 hours -
Police arrest truck driver alleged to have caused train crash
3 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: Dreams FC depart to Cairo ahead of semis first leg against Zamalek
3 hours -
Liverpool exit Europa League despite 1-0 win over Atalanta
3 hours