PRESIDENT BOOED OFF STAGE BY THE ANGRY CROWD
The president of the republic of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, was booed by a displeased crowd during the Global Citizen concert.
Picture: H.E Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana
The concert which took place on the 24th of September at the Black Stars Square featured several top secular artists. The president who was delivering the opening speech at the concert was booed by the crowd who were displeased at the current state of the economy. Most of the attendants blamed the president and his government for the rapid decline in the value of the cedi, the sharp increase in the cost of goods, the increase in food production, the increase in the cost of fuel, and the rampant destruction of water bodies by illegal mining. Allegations have also been levelled against the ruling government by the minority in parliament for the reckless spending of the COVID-19 funds provided to the country by the WHO.
This response of the crowd follows several protests by various associations including the Ghana National Association of Teachers and the Nurses Association during the year calling for a salary increase.
Freedom of Speech which is enshrined into the 1992 constitution of Ghana, article 21 (a) provides citizens with the right to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of being arrested. Many have however taken advantage of this to disrespect not just those in authority but also the elderly through various means. With the advent of global integration, some citizens also study and imitate the trends and cultures of Western societies and how they address authority figures.
Picture: Disrespect by children
The gross disrespect shown towards authority figures by this generation according to Prophet Gilbert Ossei constitutes ignorance and arrogance. He made this remark during the Searching the Scriptures series on the Kristocentric Station with Fifi Folson.
“Our generation is ignorant. We are arrogant, we are proud, and disrespectful. We speak anyhow. No generation that abuses and curses the elders escapes chaos. Thank GOD for freedom of speech but I’m sorry to say it is not Biblical. The freedom to talk to anybody anyhow and you think you are bold. It is not of GOD. We can have varied opinions but it doesn’t warrant disrespect and insults” he said.
Although people may have different thoughts from those in authority, Prophet Gilbert admonished people to apply wisdom when sending their points across. The idea being communicated may be right but without wisdom, the approach and words used may make it wrong.
The concept of respect for not just the elderly is written in 1 Peter 2:17. Every believer is instructed to honour all men, love the brotherhood, fear GOD and honour whoever rules over them. To be a Christian and have no respect for elders and those around is contradictory to the core principles of Christ. There may be moments where a believer is tempted to speak whatever comes to mind but not all that comes to mind must be spoken. In Proverbs 29:11, the Scripture makes it known that it is wise to hold back the anger but it is foolishness to speak it all.