A Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Ms. Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq., has urged former and current public office holders to exercise maximum circumspection in their public utterances to safeguard national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
Her appeal follows a video in circulation featuring former Minister for Defence, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, commenting on a recent relocation exercise by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) that affected members of the Konkomba community in Accra.
Reacting to the development, Lawyer Bogobiri expressed concern over the tone and framing of the former minister’s statements, noting that they fell short of the discretion expected of a former Minister of State who once managed the nation’s sensitive defence portfolio.
”At a time when Accra remains a cosmopolitan home for all Ghanaians, public commentary on an exercise that affects any ethnic group must be handled with utmost care,” she stated.
“Remarks that appear to introduce an ethnic dimension to a city management exercise have the potential to heighten tension and be misinterpreted, which is not in the interest of our national cohesion.”
Drawing on historical precedents, including the devastating conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu in Rwanda, she reminded public figures of the dangerous potential of inflammatory rhetoric, emphasising that Ghana’s long-standing culture of peaceful coexistence must be jealously guarded.
While acknowledging that leaders naturally feel compelled to show solidarity with their constituents during difficult times, she stressed that advocacy is far more impactful when directed through official channels with constructive language.
She suggested that rather than elevating ethnic sentiments, the focus should have been on appealing to city authorities for humane and orderly relocation processes, while lobbying for economic support such as priority placement in the 24-hour economy market initiatives.
”It is understandable that as a leader, Hon. Nitiwul seeks to show solidarity with his people and assure them of his support. That is commendable,” she observed.
“However, such advocacy is more effective when carried out through engagement with the relevant authorities and with language that promotes unity and stability in Accra.”
Lawyer Bogobiri however called on public figures to remain mindful of the weight their words carry and to continuously model behavior that fosters peace, tolerance, and national unity across the country.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
