[ 2016-07-05 ]

Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference condemn death threat on Judges by Montie FM Panelists.

Threats on judges worrying - Catholic Bishops
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has
joined the condemnation fray of two radio
discussants who threatened to kill justices of the
Supreme Court.

Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn were picked
up by the Bureau of National Investigations for
questioning, following the threats. The Ghana Bar
Association, the Media Foundation for West Africa
as well as the Government and other prominent
individuals, have condemned the threats.

Minister for the Interior, Prosper Bani, issued a
statement on Monday assuring the judges and the
Electoral Commission of adequate protection in
carrying out their duties.

Adding their voice to the condemnation, the
Catholic Bishops, in a statement signed by Most
Rev Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Bishop of Konongo-Mampong
and President, of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’
Conference, said: “We … have received media
reports on the threat of attack on members of the
Judiciary allegedly made by two panellists during
a radio discussion on Accra-based Montie FM with a
lot of worry and anxiety, and we wish to join
individuals and groups which have already
condemned this act. We are of the view that this
alleged threat is a very serious matter that
should not be taken lightly. Any attack on the
Judiciary, the custodians of Law in our country,
is an attack on our freedom and security as a
nation.”

“We think that as matter of urgency, the Bureau
of National Investigations should take action in
picking up the two alleged culprits, if it has not
done so already, for the necessary investigations
and proceedings to begin. We are hopeful that the
right course of action will be taken in this and
other instances. We are gratified by the
assurances of government that it will take steps
to ensure that all citizens, including members of
the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary will
enjoy personal and institutional protection.

“It is becoming increasingly worrying to us
that, on a daily basis, some panellists on radio
programmes and callers to these programmes
continue to make unguarded comments and
contributions instead of discussing issues that
will benefit the development of Ghana. All these
and more in this period of the run up to the 2016
elections are contributing immensely to the rising
political temperature in the country. We encourage
all Ghanaians to take steps to bring down the
political temperature.

“We pray that in the days leading to the
elections later this year, newspaper editors and
producers of FM radio programmes will be
circumspect in their selection of those who are
invited to discuss issues on their various radio
programmes, while all Ghanaians, especially those
who seek political office in our land should learn
to speak words which bring harmony and peace. We
continue to urge all Ghanaians to preach peace and
unity for without peace and unity, our country
cannot move forward in the right direction,” the
statement said.

Source - classfmonline.com

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