NEVER AGAIN, BRETHEN (AUGUST 27)

ON Tuesday, some hoodlums at the Konkomba Market in Accra put up a behaviour that can only be akin to what happens in the animal kingdom.
In the full glare of their compatriots, these people exhibited brute force in airing their grievances.
The spectacle that was left behind after the free-for-all, during which machetes, guns and other offensive weapons were used, was horrific.
Ghana has come a long way since 1992 when multiparty democracy was adopted and we think we must turn our back to arbitrariness and human rights abuses. In this dispensation, might is no longer right or the order of the day, and so the rule of law must reign supreme.
Our passion for the rule of law should provide enough space for all patriotic citizens to express their opinions without let or hindrance.
Our rich diversity should never be the source of conflict and deadly disagreements but should encourage us to respect the values inherent in our rich diversity.
Whether we like it or not we shall continue to be one people belonging to this great country with a common destiny, notwithstanding our ethnic, political and religious differences.
It is sad that a section of the society has allowed its association with political parties to disturb our sense of brotherhood and drive us to engage in fratricidal struggles.
The time has come for all Ghanaians to resolve never to allow multiparty democracy to sow deep-seated hatred among the people.
Multiparty democracy is all about choices and that dispensation should promote healthy rivalry and competition among the political parties and their supporters.
Electioneering conducted in a free, fair and friendly atmosphere is always a delight and offers even comic relief, depending on the issues that are raised on the platforms.
It is unfortunate that Tuesday’s incident during which four persons were said to have lost their lives while many people got injured is being linked to the protracted conflict in Dagbon and the deep-seated hatred between supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that after the election, it is now time for all Ghanaians to join hands to build the country.
Our people should refuse to resort to violence on the least provocation, even if they are hired by certain unscrupulous political party officials.
The tragedy of our circumstances in recent years, particularly since 1992, is our inability to stand up collectively against wrongdoing.
The political system has been abused by our political leaders and their followers as a result of rent seeking and patronage, where only the well-connected benefit from the system.
The culture of impunity has nurtured a gang of ‘machomen’ and land guards who cause mayhem in the communities for personal or class benefits.
The latest violence at the Konkomba Market started simmering before and during the general election in December last year, but because no action was taken, these gangsters were emboldened to misbehave last Tuesday.
The DAILY GRAPHIC, therefore, appeals to the police to act decisively to bring the perpetrators of last Tuesday’s violence to book in order to serve as deterrent to others.
The two political parties also have a responsibility to advise their supporters to desist from the culture of impunity and violence for which they are gradually gaining notoriety for.
No matter the provocation, let us say no to communal violence that can threaten the peace and stability of the nation.