The continuous usage of vulgar language by politicians against themselves, and against people who do not share their political opinion is becoming alarming and disturbing.
Ghana has enjoyed a very stable democracy since the birth of the Fourth Republic in 1992 and the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), as a civil society organization will continue to contribute to the stability of our dear nation.
AFAG is incensed at the rate of insults in this year’s election campaign. As the political campaign peaks, the number of emotional, sentimental and misguided statements being flung around by people are expected to know better keeps rising. What is more worrying is that the vituperation and imprudent outbursts are now coming from the highest echelon of the major political parties. Such misguided statements which usually emanate from the youth – mainly, political party supporters and ‘foot-soldiers’, are now being churned out by the leadership of this country. This is absolutely unacceptable.
AFAG entreat all contesting political parties to embark on issue-based campaign. We expect the campaign to centre on issues that affect the daily lives of the citizenry. Issues such as inflation, interest rate, healthcare, jobs, education, utility tariffs, food security and good governance among many others are more progressive than insults. This is the best way for the Ghanaian electorate to be able to make an informed choice. It is about time all political parties and their communicators focus on issues that touch on the daily lives of Ghanaians, both home and abroad.
AFAG wishes to urge the media to be circumspect in their reportage. The attempt by some media houses to inflame sensational issue is regrettable. Over a million lives was lost in Rwanda because of the actions of a single radio station. The Ghanaian people expect the Fourth Estate of the Realm to live by their true ideals by sticking to the truth and professionalism.
AFAG wishes to call on the Peace Council, the Muslim Council, the Christian Council, the Catholic Bishops Council, the National House of Chiefs and all other relevant stakeholders to impress upon all political parties to put Ghana first, focus on progressive issues, and avoid the use of intemperate languages and personality attacks that may cause avoidable tension.
We urge Ghanaians to reject any political party that engages in insults and personal attacks.
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