Peace Watch Ghana (PWG), a registered non-profit organization, is proposing the criminalization of insults to curb the growing trend of vile, disparaging, and personal attacks against public officials and prominent figures. The organization asserts that a legal framework is necessary to deter individuals from using unprintable language and engaging in unprovoked vilification, which it believes threatens national stability.
The group notes that numerous public figures, including former presidents John Dramani Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo, have been targeted by political activists and other individuals. According to PWG, this behavior has become a serious issue in the country’s political landscape.
Madam Nyonkopa Daniels, Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, specifically cited individuals such as Kevin Ekow Taylor, Kwame Baffoe (also known as Abronye DC), and Twene Jonas as examples of those who have used abusive and offensive language against personalities. She stated that her organization has, for years, campaigned against personal attacks and insults in political discourse.
During an appearance on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline program, Madam Daniels described the persistent insults as a threat to “social stability, discipline, respect for authority, and sanity.” She highlighted how some individuals have used unpalatable words against nearly everyone, contributing to a toxic environment.
She also criticized Abronye DC for his recent unprovoked attacks on President Mahama, as well as his verbal assaults on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohonu and Archbishop Duncan Williams.
Madam Daniels warned that such reckless behavior could foster a generation of indisciplined youth who take pride in insulting others while hiding behind the guise of freedom of speech and expression. While acknowledging the public’s right to criticize leaders for underperformance, she emphasized that insults should have no place in a civil society, political system, or national discourse.
“The insults are becoming one too many,” Madam Daniels stated. “As a country, we have values, and our values do not entertain such reckless behavior. These individuals are not setting good examples. Peace Watch Ghana has consistently advocated against these activities. What is happening is unhealthy, and we need to deal with it once and for all. As an organization, we are proposing that we enact regulations or a law that will criminalize insults.”
She continued, “We have to set a good example for our children. We have a responsibility to train them to be responsible, and allowing these reckless individuals to insult people and feel good about it is not good. We have to stop it immediately.”
Madam Daniels expressed satisfaction with the arrest and prosecution of Abronye DC but questioned why similar action has not been taken against others. “What about those who insulted the Asantehene? What about those who insulted the rest? Everybody who has insulted a former IGP, Duncan Williams, a former President, and others ought to be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent,” she urged.
In her concluding remarks, Madam Daniels characterized those who resort to insults as “cowards” who are “senseless and feeble-minded.” She also condemned individuals who defend offenders and demand their release when arrested, stating that such actions are a “trouble for the country.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
