Call for non-partisan approach as President prepares to engage stakeholders on political decorum

Story By: Deborah Adorsu

The recent move by President John Dramani Mahama to engage stakeholders on measures to curtail insults directed at leaders has been described as a step in the right direction, albeit one that should have come much earlier.

Political watchers and some members of the public argue that the rising tide of insults, personal attacks, and vitriolic language in Ghana’s political discourse, particularly on social media, radio, and at political rallies, has become a threat to national cohesion and democratic maturity.

According to concerned voices, leadership across the political divide has suffered sustained verbal attacks, a situation which requires a decisive national response.

However, they contend that if the President is now prepared to address the canker, then fairness must be the hallmark of the entire process.”There should be no selective justice.

The rules must apply to everyone — whether the insults are directed at the President, former Presidents, traditional leaders, or opposition figures,” a source noted.

GhanaTalksRadio in an interview with stakeholders and some concerned citizens, they call on the Presidency to ensure that the engagement is broad-based, involving the media, political parties, civil society, the National Peace Council, and traditional authorities, to fashion out a code of conduct that promotes respect and decency without stifling free speech.

They caution that any attempt to use the initiative to gag critics or shield only those in government from criticism would defeat the purpose and erode public trust.

The public awaits details on the nature and scope of the stakeholder engagement announced by the Presidency.