CDG-GH expresses 'shock' over EOCO Boss' sack

CAUCUS FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE- GHANA

PRESS RELEASE 8TH November, 2018

NANA AKUFO ADDO SACKS REGIONAL EOCO BOSS
A BIG LOSS TO OUR DEMOCRATIC GAINS

The Caucus for Democratic Governance, Ghana (CDG-GH) has registered with shock and concern, the sacking of the EOCO Boss. The EOCO Boss in the Eastern Region has been sacked after he made suggestions that Akufo Addo led Government must first prosecute his corrupt Government appointees before he proceeds to prosecute members of the opposition. He emphasized that the fight against corruption will be fruitless, if Government cannot prosecute his own people.

Ghana is a Democratic country and our Constitution gives the necessary mandatory specifications, leading to a democratic set up. This includes free speech and guarantees to the rights of persons, including free expression of opinion which all fall within fundamental human rights. Clauses in the International Charter, of which Ghana is a signatory, does give conditions to free speech and freedom of expression. Therefore any attempt to stifle free speech and freedom of expression, is an affront to our democracy.

For Nana Addo to sack the EOCO Boss for expressing his fundamental rights, amounts to demolishing our hard won democratic gains. Where is Ghana`s Constitution that guarantees freedom of expression? What is the value of the International agreements we have signed? Is Nana Addo really working with the Constitution?

Unfortunately, anything based on law is done wrongly by Nana Addo. How can a whole President dissolve a University Council when he knows that Universities have partial autonomy and are governed by their Statutes. How can you change Government representatives on Council and force all other members on Council, who are all governed by their by-laws and Constitutions, also to change their members?

Dr E.K.Hayfod
Chief Convener CDG-GH

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