Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, has opined that Ghanaians must credit the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the human rights they currently enjoy.
He claims that there was little regard for the protection of human rights under the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
He made the remarks while speaking at a mentorship programme organised by the NPP Council of Elders.
The event was organied by the party to educate young patriots on the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition as part of the 77th anniversary of the formation of the United Gold Coast Convention.
According to him, the late President Edward Akufo-Addo instituted a human rights chapter in the 1969 constitution, which has subsequently been incorporated into succeeding constitutions.
“Our forebearers brought this kind of thing. Under Nkrumah, you could be detained almost indefinitely. Why? First of all, PDA allowed your detention of the 1958 law for 5 years. When it got to 1964, he amended it and said after that, you could be given a renewal for another 5 years, almost indefinite.
“Nobody likes that today, nevertheless, they see a hero in the man who perpetrated it against the people of Ghana, it’s a contradiction. We must claim it and we must know that if you love your freedom, you must love the NPP in Ghana today. Our people were developmental, selfless gentlemen, development-oriented and they spoke about it, all the time.”
Speaking at the same event, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia admonish them to cherish their history and the tradition of the party.
“As we navigate the future, it is essential to integrate history with current realities, upholding our party’s heritage involves more than honouring the past.
“It requires maintaining the values and principles that define our struggles for freedom. While celebrating our traditions and heritage, let us remain committed to the ideals of democracy, freedom and economic development. As we gather to reflect on our past accomplishments and honour our heritage, we look forward to a promising future.
“I’m particularly excited about the NPP’s mentorship series which I believe will nurture the next generation of leaders committed to our cherished values.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
