The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has urged the National Security to deal with people who use social media to spew vile language and slander leadership.
He says despite insults not being a crime according to Ghana’s constitution, it incites people to indulge in acts that have the propensity to bring dire consequences on the nation.
Speaking to a delegation from the ‘See Something Say Something’ campaigners under the National Security at a courtesy call at the Ofori Panin Fie Friday, March 29, 2024, he admonished the team to ensure the value of respect for authority which has been a tenet of the Ghanaian society is not eroded by social media.
The Okyenhene explained that the fact that people have the right to express themselves does not mean they should use it to disrespect authority.
“Some people have been using some platforms to insult the elderly. It’s true our Constitution does not criminalise insults but those things are incitement. Raining insults at the President, judges, chiefs, and spewing all sort of unnecessary things and if we allow such persons to exercise their rights to speak, right to assemble or freedom to have a conversation anyhow, if could bring problems just as it happened in Rwanda so such people must be arrested and cautioned,” he told the team.
Osagyefo Ofori Panin also disclosed to the team how the influx of foreigners in galamsey areas within the Kyebi enclave is posing a security threat.
He said they resort to violent activities including going to the extent of firing gunshots for the lack of compassion on their part as foreigners.
“Recently some Nigeriens have come here doing galamsey and there was an incident of shooting. Because they are not Ghanaians, they don’t have compassion like Ghanaians so they act recklessly and ruthlessly. So, it is up to the security apparatus including the immigration and all [to put a check to that].
“They have come to Kyebi and its environs to indulge in galamsey. They have wicked minds, criminal intentions so we’ll plead with you,” he added.
The visit by the national security team, according to TV3’s Yvonne Neequaye, was to involve chiefs and the clergy on its efforts to get the citizenry alert on security issues. The campaign is expected to last for the entire Easter period.
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