MyJoyOnline column calls on Mahama and Bawumia to change the tone of political discourse in Ghana
In Ghana, an opinion column on MyJoyOnline called on President John Dramani Mahama, former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and the leadership of their political forces to publicly condemn insults and personal attacks in political discourse. The author noted that reasoned debate is increasingly being replaced by offensive language, while social media accelerates the spread of such statements.
The column emphasizes that criticism of the authorities, investigative journalism, civil society oversight, and opposition activity are necessary for democracy. At the same time, the author distinguishes criticism of politicians' decisions and policies from attacks on their appearance, intelligence, ethnic origin, family, or other personal characteristics.
Call to party leaders
The author writes that the unacceptability of insults should apply equally to supporters of the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party. He called on the leaders of both forces to clearly, consistently, and publicly condemn insults and personal attacks, including when such rhetoric benefits their political side.
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In the author's view, political communicators, activists, and young supporters take their cue from the leadership. Leaders, the text says, can reduce tensions by urging supporters to assess opponents based on their decisions, performance, and ideas, while respecting human dignity.
Freedom of speech and responsibility
The column also warns against using criminal prosecution as a routine response to offensive political statements. The author recalled that Ghana repealed its criminal libel and sedition laws in 2001. In cases of unlawful harm to reputation, civil remedies, a right of reply, or public condemnation may be used, in his view.
At the same time, the author stressed the difference between an insult, a real threat of violence, and incitement to violence. He also called on religious and traditional leaders, the media, and citizens to promote a more civilized political conversation.
