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    March 15, 2012

Ghana's Politics of Insult Under Scrutiny in Election Year

   Joanne Mantey | Accra
   Ghana John Atta Mills (file photo)
   Photo: Reuters
   Ghana's president John Atta Mills (file photo).

   Ghana goes to the polls in December and the so-called "politics of
   insults" has become widespread in some segments of the media. Rather
   than focus on issues, there are persistent attacks on the personalities
   of the candidates, leaders of political parties and the president.
   The insulting behaviors take the form of unsubstantiated claims,
   character assassination and blatant lies all perpetuated in the media.
   Role of media

   Sulemana Braimah is the deputy executive director of the non-profit
   group, Media Foundation for West Africa. He says the trend has become
   pervasive on radio and is championed by agents of political parties,
   public office holders and radio commentators.
   "The situation is due partly to the liberalized environment of Ghana's
   media," he said. "Previously, the opportunities for people to express
   themselves were limited in terms of number of radio stations. And, as
   you know, until about 1994 we didn't have a single private radio
   station. Every radio station now has a call-in program and you don't
   know who is going to say what on radio."
   'Political sport'

   But Kofi, a resident of Accra and an ardent supporter of one political
   party, says it is all part of political sport and competition and it is
   not likely to stop anytime soon.
   "They also have other people who insult leaders of my party and once
   they bring the insults we would also reply likewise. I don't really see
   this ending now. It's going to go back and forth and I don't mind,"
   said Kofi.
   Braimah says another reason for the recent trend in personal attacks in
   politics is the repeal of Ghana's laws against criminal and seditious
   libel.
   But Braimah also puts plenty of blame on what he says is a lack of
   professionalism in the media. He says radio program hosts either do not
   have the experience or the desire to moderate guests - and the result
   is inflamed passions and little policy.
   He recounted an incident in Accra during which insults by panelists on
   a live radio show nearly resulted in clashes between supporters of two
   political parties.
   "What happened on Asempa FM recently is a signal of what this whole
   thing about insult in the media could present if we don't tackle it
   right now," he said. "The police had to come right in and we heard the
   political parties were mobilizing their supporters to go in there and
   attack each other. And, this is just the beginning."
   President John Atta Mills has weighed in on the new style political
   discourse - saying that lies and foul language will not guarantee
   success for any politician.
   Plea for moderation

   Media Foundation for West Africa agrees that a well-informed electorate
   helps in the growth and development of democracy and is calling on
   Ghana's media to guard against insult and intolerance in the country's
   political culture.
   Braimah says this election season will be a good time to start.
   "Media Foundation for West Africa, for example, is embarking on this
   project for monitoring the campaign language on about 31 radio stations
   across the country to be able to name and shame politicians who may
   want to engage in insults rather than focusing on issues - also to
   point out which radio stations are allowing these things to happen," he
   said.
   Braimah says, from next month until the time of election, his
   organization will be issuing reports on politically abusive
   broadcasting.

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