In the very respected space of academia, one would expect that the pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking would be guided by a commitment to fairness, impartiality, and responsible discourse.
It is particularly important for those who hold positions of influence, such as Professor Ransford Gyampo, a senior lecturer at the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, to uphold these principles.
Regrettably, a recent expression of disappointment by Professor Gyampo over President Akufo-Addo’s response to divisive politics in the Volta region raises serious concerns about the impartiality of his critique.
In his criticism, Professor Gyampo used words such as “unnecessary,” “unpresidential,” and “unstatesmanly” to describe some of the President’s remarks. Such words, especially when emanating from a figure of influence in academia, carry significant weight.
What is truly perplexing is Professor Gyampo’s apparent bias, wherein he finds fault with the President’s call for unity and compassion in the face of divisive politics in the Volta Region while remaining curiously silent on the actions of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC has consistently framed the President as uncaring, even when a high-powered committee had been constituted to address the concerns of the affected citizens in the VRA spillage and flooding situation. This divisive narrative is certainly a prime example of the very politics that Professor Gyampo criticizes.
This is more concerning in the face of recent incidents of separatists seizing police stations and blocking roads in Tefle, Mepe, Bator, and Joapong areas, demanding the recognition of a certain Transvolta Togoland as an independent state from Ghana.
Despite these actions, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) finds it prudent to keep portraying the Government of Ghana as indifferent to the residents of these areas. However, Professor Gyampo’s criticism is directed at the President for his unifying statements while remaining totally blind to the dangerous rhetoric of leading members of the NDC including the MP for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie.
One would expect that a seasoned academic like Professor Gyampo would use his influence to urge all political parties to refrain from divisive language and focus on finding solutions to the people’s plight. Instead, he appears to single out the President for criticism while the NDC’s actions go unchecked.
President Akufo-Addo’s comments were a plea for unity and solidarity in a time of crisis. He emphasized that leadership and compassion, not divisive politics, are what the nation needs. This approach should be lauded for its promotion of inclusivity and nation-building.
In these times when political tensions can run high, it is crucial that public figures, especially educators, lead by example. Responsible discourse fosters unity and inclusivity, while divisive language only exacerbates divisions.
It is the responsibility of all Ghanaians, including our educators, to promote a healthy and respectful dialogue that contributes to the growth and progress of our nation.
