Election 2024: Advice To Fellow Ghanaians – Dr. Patrick Owusu Writes
With barely three days to our general presidential and parliamentary elections, I seize this opportunity to remind all citizens of our commitment to building an all-inclusive nation devoid of insults, hate propaganda, and divisive statements.
The tragic events in Rwanda in 1994 serve as a stark reminder of what we must avoid at all costs.
In 1994, Hutu extremists in Rwanda set up the RTLM radio station, spreading hate propaganda and lies. They incited their fellow tribesmen to “weed out the cockroaches” (a demeaning term for the Tutsis). This dehumanizing language fueled a brutal tribal war that led to nearly one million people losing their lives.
Today, Rwanda has learned from its past and strives to build a strong, united nation, embracing everyone regardless of tribe, religion, or gender.
We, too, have only one country — Ghana.
The politics of insults and inflammatory rhetoric should be avoided. At this stage, most Ghanaians have already decided who they want as their leaders. What we need now is a focus on socio-economic policies that will improve the lives of the average Ghanaian.
If we have the opportunity to use social media, national television, or any public platform, the national agenda of development must take precedence over partisan politics.
The struggle for power to make our country better does not call for division. No one in Ghana should be marginalized based on religion, culture, education, or any other factor.
Our constitution is supreme.
I believe in God’s supernatural power, but divine power that is not rooted in wisdom and knowledge becomes questionable.
While no one is calling for war, we must be cautious about our pronouncements and comments on sensitive issues. Let us not take the peace we enjoy for granted.
Sometimes, the very people who “like” your posts encouraging insults on social media may turn against you when you find yourself in trouble.
Decorum is essential at this time. As much as possible, let us avoid any actions or words that divide us as a nation.
The future of Ghana is greater than our individual interests.
We should not focus solely on seizing power but also on devising strategies to make our nation better.
As a nationalist, my desire is for a greater Ghana, where no one is disadvantaged because of their religion, tribe, gender, or education. Ghana belongs to all of us, not just a select few.
We have a shared responsibility to work together and transform our nation into a powerhouse for economic development. Let us give hope to the youth and a sense of pride to the elderly who have faithfully served their country.
It is time we cultivated a culture where everyone’s views are respected and honoured.
While we are entitled to our opinions, no one’s opinion is superior to another’s.
Ghana First!
Source: Dr. Patrick Owusu/Pastor/Lecturer/Author
