The Ashanti Regional Representative on the Council of State, Mr. Yaw Owusu Bimpeh, has strongly challenged comments made by broadcaster Paul Adom-Otchere on the Good Evening Ghana programme, describing his characterization of recent remarks about the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) as a “constitutional sin” as legally flawed and historically inaccurate.
In a statement copied to The Chronicle newspaper, Mr. Bimpeh argued that comments attributed to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Mr. Kofi Adams, were protected under the constitutional right to freedom of expression and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of military rule.
According to him, every Ghanaian is entitled under the 1992 Constitution to freely express opinions on matters of governance and national development. He stressed that Mr. Adams merely expressed the view that Ghana could draw useful lessons from certain governance practices associated with the PNDC era, particularly in the areas of discipline, accountability and the enforcement of environmental and planning regulations.
“Expressing such an opinion is not a constitutional offence. It is an exercise of a fundamental constitutional right guaranteed by the laws of Ghana,” Mr. Bimpeh stated.
Historical Perspective
Mr. Bimpeh noted that the Fourth Republic itself emerged from the constitutional transition initiated during the PNDC era and that acknowledging positive aspects of that period should not be misconstrued as support for military governance.
He explained that references to the PNDC period were intended to highlight governance practices that promoted environmental sanitation, land-use regulation and strict enforcement of planning laws.
According to him, unauthorized structures on waterways were removed without hesitation, communal labour was encouraged and environmental indiscipline attracted swift sanctions.
He argued that such measures contributed to greater order and discipline in communities and offered lessons that remain relevant today.
Flooding and Enforcement Challenges
The Council of State member further observed that Ghana continues to grapple with persistent flooding, which he attributed largely to illegal developments on waterways, indiscriminate sale of wetlands, poor sanitation practices and weak enforcement of planning regulations.
He stressed that democracy should not be used as a justification for failing to enforce laws designed to protect lives and property.
“The lesson is clear: democracy must never become an excuse for abandoning the enforcement of the law,” he stated.
Call for Responsible Commentary
Mr. Bimpeh expressed concern over what he described as attempts to sensationalize legitimate political opinions instead of engaging constructively with the substance of national issues.
He urged public commentators and media personalities to promote informed debate and contribute positively to democratic discourse.
According to him, individuals who position themselves as defenders of constitutional governance should recognise the responsibility that comes with public commentary and avoid statements that may inflame tensions or distort facts.
NDC Leadership Matters
The statement also addressed comments allegedly made by Mr. Adom-Otchere regarding potential National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer aspirants, including the sitting Vice-President.
Mr. Bimpeh maintained that the NDC possesses the constitutional right to determine its leadership through its own democratic processes and does not require external validation in making such decisions.
He argued that persistent criticism of every potential NDC leader risks creating the impression of political bias rather than objective political analysis.
Focus on National Development
Mr. Bimpeh concluded that the national conversation should focus less on debates about military rule and more on strengthening governance within the democratic framework.
He said Ghana’s major challenge was not the absence of democracy but the inconsistent application of laws already provided under the Constitution.
According to him, the country must demonstrate the political will to enforce planning regulations, protect the environment, restore discipline and place the national interest above partisan considerations.
“That is the real lesson that deserves thoughtful engagement and national reflection, rather than political distortion or sensational misrepresentation,” he stated.
