The politics of mud-slinging which is fast gaining grounds in the politics of Ghana to many is not new. What is worrying as the nation prepares to go to the polls on December 7, 2012 is the devastating manner it has taken shape in recent times.
Communicators of the various political parties almost on daily basis spew insults, wild allegations, innuendos and many other derogatory words against each other to gain cheap, parochial political points.
Though the leadership of these parties has in the past openly pledged to run their campaigns devoid of insults, the followers have failed to heed the wise counsel of their leaders. The leaders on the other hand have woefully failed to call their 'attack dogs' to order when found to have been engaged in insulting political opponents.
The Media Foundation For West Africa have over the past weeks dutifully played their party by exposing media organizations that promote insults, as well as individuals who engage in verbal assaults to serve as deterrent to others. Such interventions we believe are crucial in the campaign against insults.
President John Mahama who is well known as affable ,has since assumption of office as President of Ghana and the yet-to-be endorsed flag bearer of the ruling National Democratic Congress for the upcoming election, added his voice and pledged to run his campaign with decency and dignity.
During a visit by the leadership of the Assemblies of God Church, Ghana to the castle, Osu. Mr. Mahama pledged that "we in government will do everything possible to conduct political activities with sense of dignity and decency to continue to consolidate and raise Ghana's enviable position in African political ladder"
President Mahama appealed to the leadership of the various political parties to step up education programs that would discourage their communicators and supporters from trading in insults during the political campaigns.
Subsequently ,the special aide to the New Patriotic Party flag bearer ,Nana Akufo-Addo, Mustapha Hamid, the presidential candidate of the Progressive People's Party, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom ,and the director of communications of the Convention People's Party, Nii Armah Akomfrah have all given their word to campaign on issues and not insults.
Verbal commitments we dare say are not enough. The leaders of these parties must be seen and heard constantly educating their communicators and followers to avoid insults. Offenders should be reprimanded in public to serve as deterrent to others. The media must also play their watchdog roles by not only desisting from giving their platforms to insulting politicians ,but by giving less prominence to destructive language that does not promote peace . with additional support from civil society, well-meaning Ghanaians and the blessing of the almighty God, the country is sure to be on its way to organizing yet another peaceful election come December 7.
Source: The Heritage newspaper
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