Peace advocate bemoans politics of insults

09-08-2011
The West African Network for Peace Building (WANEP) and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), have been challenged to vigorously embark on conscientious building programmes for political parties and the general public ahead of the country’s upcoming general election in 2012. This requires the support of chiefs and religious leaders to educate their followers on the need to eschew violence behaviours since there is no substitute for peace. A Programmes Manager, Centre for Youth Welfare and Development, Alagskoma Asakeya Noble, gave the advice in an interview with Radio Ghana at Bolgatanga in the upper East Region. Mr Asakeya Noble, bemoaned the politics of insult that has characterized national discourse,especially among leading members and supporters of the various political parties on the airwaves. According to him, the creeping act of political insults hurled on political leaders distracts the country’s enviable democratic system, because Ghana has been touted for its democratic credentials and that efforts must be made to safeguard the current peace and stability that we are enjoying. He further stated that our democratic credentials coupled with the leadership style of the head of government make the country stand tall in the eyes of the international community. He however advised politicians to speak on issues that would bring about development to the people and enhance their livelihood rather than to indulge in insults. he also cautioned the youth against verbal assaults in their quest to defend and propagate the ideals of their respective political parties. Political insults, he noted, breeds rancor, acrimony and unhealthy relations among people and should not be condoned in any way. Mr. Asakeya Noble, also called on the political parties to strive and restrain their supporters not to engage in loose talks and insults on political opponents. He said under no circumstances should our airwaves be used to make sardonic utterances, insult or attacks a political opponent. Rwanda, he noted paid dearly for allowing their media to be used as a platform for verbal attack on political opponents. Stressing on the way forward, Mr. Asakeya Noble charged the government to equip and resource the country’s security agencies to ensure that no disgruntled elements disrupts the democratic process of the country. Peace and stability, he indicated is all we need so that the government can implement its Better Ghana Agenda to improve the lot of Ghanaians, particularly the down trodden. The National Commission for Civic Education, on the other hand, should also be well resourced to enable them intensify their constitutional mandate by educating the populace on the need for peace.
GBC END IA/