COMMENTARY ON THE PROSECUTION OF NPP STALWART, KEN AGYEPONG

The decision by the Police to arraign the MP for Assin North, Kennedy Agyepong before court under a charge of treason is perhaps well thought out. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) deserves of commendation for distancing itself from the reckless statement which has raised the political temperature of the country. Kennedy Agyepong noted for his abrasive language nearly brought the country on the brink of civil war in his speech which needs not be repeated here. Not too long ago Kennedy Agyepong, described President Mills in quite an unprintable language but quickly ate humble pie and apologised to the President. Ken Agyepong, Proprietor of Oman FM has gained notoriety for using his radio station to spew out venom. Recently he had to walk out of a discussion programme simply because the host cautioned him against an unpalatable statement. It is unfortunate his arrest by the Police caused some NPP youth to go on the rampage. They besieged the Police headquarters demanding his immediate release from custody. This culminated in the police firing warning shots and releasing water cannons to disperse them. President John Evans Atta Mills and the NPP flagbearer, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo, have categorically said, that they do not like victory tainted with blood. The National Media Commission has been spot on in condemning inflammatory language especially hate speech which incites the public to violence. Ghanaians deserve nothing but peace. It therefore behoves politicians to support the nation to sustain the peace.

Even though the December elections are crucial, they must not be a do and die affair. Coming events our elders say, cast their shadows. This makes it imperative for the National Peace Council, Christian Council, Ghana Muslim Mission, Inter Party Advocacy Committee, NCCE and IEA to put their acts together and calm the stormy waters. It is unfortunate campaign towards election 2012 has assumed tribal undertones, a situation which is dangerous for our fledgling democracy.With experiences of countries like Rwanda, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya at hindsight, we need to be cautious how we go about our electioneering. Ghana's democracy has received international acclamation, and is a model to other African countries. The latest acts of violence and intimidation at voter registration centers as well as the standoff between the NPP Youth and the Police are likely to dent our enviable credentials. The arrest of Kennedy Agyepong and subsequent trial for treason must be a lesson to other acid tongued politicians that no one is above the law. The nation Ghana is bigger than any politician. We need not pawn our lives for mere pottage or the greed of a politician to either assume power or hang on to power. The Information Services Department owes it an obligation to mount a special exercise to show at vantage points in the cities, towns and rural communities films on war in other countries and how they ravaged them. Ghana is the only country most of us have and are not prepared to be refugees in other countries. The media must boycott politicians or political parties fond of using inflammatory language on the airwaves as well as those who beat war drums. The Police must be firm in carrying out their duties. They must act professionally and be resolute in maintaining law and order no matter whose ass is gored.

We expect sanity to prevail as Ken Agyepong goes on trial. Otherwise the miscreants will be fleeing from the roaring to the crouching lion. Treason is a first degree felony punishable by death. It is said that thefly that refuses to heed advice follows the corpse to the grave. Kennedy Agyepong despite all his investments in the State has fallen foul of the law and it will take astute legal brains to get him out of it. As a law maker himself it was expected that Kennedy Agyepong would be abreast of the laws of state and would not fall victim to them. He must have learnt his lessons by now and the few days he has been denied access to the comfort of his bed should teach him that the arms of the law are long and no one is above the law. Our tongue even though small is acknowledged as the most poisonous part of the body. The human tongue can be used to destroy and at the same time build. As it stands now, it is obvious Kennedy Agyepong has caused some damage to the campaign of the NPP flagbearer, Nana Akufo Addo and the party in general. His tribal statement against Gas and Ewes are quite misplaced and the party needs to do more to explain things off. An apology to the ethnic groups concerned will not be out of place. Ethnicity has never helped in any political cause. It is therefore prudent that politicians veer off that area. Kennedy Agyepong has a bright political future. It is hoped after this case he will be sober so that he does not become a liability to his people in Assin North and the NPP as a whole. A word to the wise is enough.

BY: JUSTICE MINGLE, A JOURNALIST.