Criticize Yourself � Rau Tells NPP

An international human rights activist, who is based in Hamburg, Germany, has appealed to Ghanaians to scrutinize critically the New Patriotic Party (NPP) because some of its members continue to terrorize innocent people. Anthony Rau revealed that recent developments had put doubts in the minds of Ghanaians who, according to him, have started questioning the democratic credibility of the party. �The violence within and outside the party is becoming pronounced and one could not be wrong to say that the party is now a threat to democracy in Ghana. The earlier they clean their acts the better it would be for everyone,� Rau noted. He further revealed that the party came out of the United Party, which according to him, was once labeled as a violent party, wondering whether party members want to continue on that violent path. Anthony Rau revealed that at a meeting at the Accra International Trade Fair, a reporter from a local radio station was manhandled by some members of the party. He also condemned the recent attack on a cameraman from Daily Guide. He said, �The party should address the violent occurrences in the party and stop accusing the ruling National Democratic Party (NDC) government. The human rights activist recalled the past deeds of the previous NDC government that forced people to oppose it. �When the NPP came to power I thought such acts would stop, but the democratic rule that they publicized did not materialize and now in opposition, some of the members are behaving like terrorists. These things will not promote democracy in our dear Ghana,� he reiterated. The NPP, he said, should stop describing the NDC as violent. He also called for a law that would make it possible to ban parties that showed violent tendencies. �We want our democracy to grow to become one of the best in Africa and therefore there is the need for all parties in the country to uphold the flag of true democracy,� Rau emphasised. Anthony Rau appealed to Ghanaians, especially the youth to be conversant with the constitution in order to defend and fight for their rights. �we, as parents, must teach our children to be patriotic from their infancy because they are the future leaders. We must nurture and inculcate in them good virtues,� he added.