Evron Rothschild Hughes, a presidential staffer, and Economic advisor to the Vice President, has asserted that opposing public disorder and vandalism is not consistent with being in support of Galamsey.
Hughes criticized the trend of guilt-tripping others over this issue, noting that some individuals may resort to using their newly adopted term “gaslighting” to deflect criticism.
“I have not seen/heard ANYONE support Galamsey, in public or private. Which sane human being wants a seriously degraded environment?
“I have not heard ANYONE deny that Democracy Hub (they are not “democratic”) has a constitutional right to demonstrate against Galamsey, and/or perceived government inaction over it. Heck, they have a right to organize demonstrations demanding that public officials be not allowed to breathe the air we all do”.
Evron Rothschild Hughes
However, Hughes emphasized that while everyone has the right to demonstrate for any cause they believe in, it is crucial that these demonstrations occur peacefully.
He stated, “We don’t live in the jungle,” highlighting the importance of maintaining order and civility in public protests.
Hughes questioned the difficulty in understanding this principle, suggesting that the expectation for peaceful expression is not only reasonable but essential for a functioning society.
He called for a commitment to constructive dialogue rather than chaotic confrontations, urging individuals to respect the boundaries of lawful assembly as a cornerstone of democratic expression.
Accordingly, Hughes maintained that if protesters are rallying against something that is widely considered illegal by all Ghanaians, they must ensure that their actions do not involve illegal acts themselves.
He argued that engaging in unlawful behavior while opposing illegality undermines the legitimacy of their cause.
For Hughes, true activism should embody the principles it seeks to uphold, demonstrating respect for the law even when advocating for change.
As such, he emphasized that the effectiveness of their message hinges on their ability to protest peacefully and lawfully, thereby reinforcing their commitment to justice and accountability.
Hughes Clarifies Condemnation and Support
Furthermore, Evron Rothschild Hughes indicated that condemning the illegal acts committed by protesters does not automatically imply support for the “original sin,” – galamsey.
Hughes argued that by separating the condemnation of illegal actions from the issue at hand, it is possible to advocate for lawfulness and accountability while still opposing the harmful activities associated with galamsey.
This distinction is vital for fostering meaningful dialogue about the broader issues at play without conflating different concerns.
“Here’s a little-known fact: there are MANY Ghanaians who absolutely ABHOR Galamsey, but who ALSO take a dim view of people committing acts of vandalism and public disorder. To assume that their condemnation of the latter is support for the former is not only illogical. It is nonsensical.
“We ALL can question motives. Like Cheddar has done, and being roasted over his constitutionally guaranteed right to freely express his views”.
Evron Rothschild Hughes
Hughes pointed out that while protesters and their supporters seek to express their views freely and may even resort to “gaslighting” others, they often object to having their perspectives questioned.
He emphasized that this approach undermines the principles of democracy, stating, “That’s not how our democracy works.”
Hughes asserted that a healthy democratic discourse requires not only the freedom to express opinions but also the willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and accept scrutiny.
He called for a culture where diverse viewpoints can be discussed openly and respectfully, reinforcing the idea that questioning and debate are essential components of a vibrant democracy.
Accordingly, Hughes argued that Ghana cannot achieve a mature democracy without Ghanaians evolving democratically in their views and attitudes.
He emphasized that the health of a democracy depends not only on its institutions but also on the collective mindset of its citizens.
He underscored that as Ghanaians grow in their understanding and acceptance of diverse perspectives, the nation will be better positioned to navigate the complexities of democratic governance and ensure a robust political landscape.
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