Professor Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, a political historian, has raised concerns regarding the potential consequences of inflammatory political rhetoric on various political platforms ahead of the 2024 general elections.
He noted that such statements from political communicators can incite violence and plunge the country into chaos.
His comments come in the wake of a heated exchange between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dr Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, stated on August 11, that the NPP is determined to secure victory in the 2024 general election by any means necessary.
This statement prompted a response from the Minority Whip, Kwame Govern Agbodza, who cautioned Dr Acheampong against any attempts to manipulate the upcoming elections.
Speaking in Adaklu alongside NDC flagbearer John Mahama, Agbodza vowed that the opposition would not tolerate any actions that could undermine the integrity of the elections.
Prof Adu-Gyamfi while speaking on the Eyewitness News, emphasised the importance of mindful communication in Ghana’s political landscape.
“We need to understand that even though from an aesthetic viewpoint Ghana looks quite peaceful and seems to have peaceful people. Remember that statements that are able to incite people can gravitate us towards violence. We have seen that when people find a common course, especially, see an enemy in another, they are likely to respond vehemently and harshly.”
“So, it is important for us to appreciate that the NDC and the NPP as a result of party affiliation as we have seen in our politics in Ghana, people can be very sentimental and the extent of political attachment to a party is like Siamese twins. Because of that, we have to be very careful and watch what we say and how we communicate to party people. I am saying that the two gentlemen have not done justly to the course and future of our democracy,” he stated.
