Kojo Yankah Writes: "Let's share the pride of Ghana together."

In 1966 when our elected First President was violently removed from office, hundreds of Ghanaians jumped to the streets to pull his statue down, burn his books and effigies.

In 1972, when the elected Government of Dr Kofi Busia (with Mr Akuffo-Addo as President) was overthrown by the military, hundreds of Ghanaians cheered. In December 1981, the elected government of President Hilla Limann was overthrown by a military (revolutionary) regime.

Again, thousands of youth poured out into the streets to welcome Flt-Lt. Rawlings. And in 1993, the Fourth Republic began, and we have had Presidents Rawlings, Kuffour, Atta Mills, and President Mahama. And now, it is the turn of President-elect Nana Akuffo-Addo.

What l find in common is that we have had Ghanaians accusing the previous regime of corruption and all kinds of malpractices. The concern l have is with those who think previous Presidents, (who were duly elected) must be INSULTED publicly, on radio, television, social media). Having been a public servant before, l am inclined to think that we should be more RESPECTFUL of our leaders.

In spite of all the ills that some leaders fall to, l also know that they offered themselves when others feared or were not qualified for public service. Particularly with Presidents, pressures are inevitable from all manner of sources.

Let us accord our Leaders with respect, even when they are voted out. It may be your candidate, father, cousin, friend, mentor or party leader tomorrow.

We have a strong culture that demands that we criticize but not insult our Leaders. Let's share the pride of Ghana together."

KOJO YANKAH,

the Founder of AUCC