Reports: King Amoah
In a clarion call for national unity, economic development and peaceful coexistence Elder Enoch Ofori Jnr Head Pastor of the Association of the 7th Pentecostal Assemblies at Kumasi Feyiase has passionately appealed to Ghanaians to integrate democratic principles with traditional values in their daily lives.
Speaking to the correspondent in an exclusive interview on Monday, September 22nd, Elder Ofori Jnr emphasized this synergy as vital for building an effective economy free from confusion to ensure the sanitization of public discourse.
Expressing deep concern, Elder Ofori Jnr lamented that the growing trend where some citizens exploit democratic freedom as a pretext to attack and abuse the rights of others with impunity are unfair
He acknowledged democracy as a best practice in governance which fosters freedom of speech and expression essential for peaceful coexistence.
Elder Enoch Ofori Jnr indicated that these noble principles are frequently misconstrued for attacks, insults and filthy language which directly contravene the established laws.
The clergyman highlighted the alarming instances where teenagers are seen launching vitriolic attacks on the elderly and even extending to the President, chiefs, Ministers of God and other opinion leaders all under the guise of democratic free speech.
This alarming trend he noted, indicates that democracy has, unfortunately overtaken the traditional values to the oblivion leading to a decline in societal standards.
Elder Ofori Jnr asserted that indiscipline is now the order of the day with respect and humility increasingly eluding many citizens who prefer democratic languages to our traditional values.
He drew a stark correlation between the embrace of a misapplied democracy and the surge in corruption and anti social vices, rendering the nation ungovernable by the authorities due to lawlessness under the norms of democracy.
Recalling the bygone era the Elder stated that during times where democracy was absent in the country people were law abiding, humble, showed respect, and above all God fearing.
He expressed regret that many Ghanaians have forgotten that democracy came to meet our traditional laws and values.
To reverse this concerning trajectory Elder Ofori Jnr implored Ghanaians to conscientiously combine democratic and traditional values in their daily dealings.
This fusion, he insisted is critical for ensuring a united country to help prevent the physical and social media platforms attacks that one day could lead to national confusions at our own risk.
Beyond individual responsibilities Elder Ofori Jnr also issued a stern call to the government urging President John Dramani Mahama to put measures in place to discourage political attacks before it is too late.
Elder Enoch Ofori Jnr emphasized the urgency of addressing this societal ills.
Ultimately, Elder Ofori Jnr’s message is a poignant appeal for introspection and a balanced approach.
He believes that by harmonizing the freedoms offered by democracy with the foundational virtues of Ghanaian tradition – respect, humility, and communal responsibility – the nation can truly sanitize its public discourse, foster genuine unity, and build a robust, peaceful, and prosperous economy for all.
