Until today (11/07/2013), the editor of the Daily
Searchlight newspaper Kenneth Adjei Kuranchi is an ex-convict. A name often
accorded hardline incarcerated anti social persons in society.
Notwithstanding, the reasons for which Ken went to prison
was one of courage, in a quest to challenge the status quo (mantra of the time),
“yes my Lord”.
For a moment, the highest court of Ghana became a “Court of
Mercy” rather than a “Court of Justice” as Atta Akyea counsel to Ken Kuranchie
intimated; where persons summoned on grounds of contempt had to profusely apologize
and pray for mercy rather than press for Justice – enhancement of timidity.
It is no surprise then that Ken Kuranchie was given a hero’s
welcome by scores of supporters amidst shouts of “Prisoner of Conscience”, an
accord exceptionally historical. Truly, he has done what Napoleon couldn’t do.
Most importantly, developments from his day of conviction
till release hints that not all convictions nor slays by people who wield
demonic powers in society matters, for society constitutes an objective
perspective to issues.
Political maneuvering to make Ken a ‘prison tourist’ is worth
a note. Clearly, ken’s posture of strictly scrutinizing government policies
must have triggered the desire of some political figures to pull strings as the
prison officials became tools in their hands to accomplish their whims and
caprices.
All believers of Free Speech of course must be enthused at
the return of Ken Kuranchie back into Society and into the media fraternity,
however, he must bring to bear his ‘tourist’ experience and magnify the need
for dignity unto the inmates. His humble posture while commenting on prison
conditions is admirable.
~ atiemo
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