National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairmanship hopeful, Hon. Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has called on political leaders and media commentators to end reckless insults, character assassination, and ethnic politics ahead of upcoming elections.
Delivering a keynote address as Special Guest at the 2026 Hlefi Traditional Area Yam Festival—held under the theme “Uniting Citizens for Development”—the former Local Government Minister addressed the normalisation of profanities and character assassination in the media. He warned that physical infrastructure and economic policies cannot be sustained without national trust and cohesion.
Commending the Paramount Chief, Togbui Adame Danku X, for standing up for national values, Dr Opong-Fosu contrasted political philosophy based on mutual respect with the current hostile political culture. He declared that his campaign for the NDC National Chairmanship is a drive to mobilise a strong, united party to consolidate its gains and protect the legacy of President John Dramani Mahama.
Putting his commitment to grassroots welfare into action, the former Cabinet Minister pledged to collaborate with Ho West MP, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah, on a local water project.
Dr Opong-Fosu cautioned political actors against turning the airwaves into a war zone where character assassination and identity politics are applauded. Referencing continental history, he reminded politicians that national destruction begins on the microphone rather than the battlefield.
“Look at the history of nations that fell into chaos—it did not start with guns; it started with tongues,” Opong-Fosu warned. “When political actors and social commentators sow verbal aggression into the soul of our communities, we reap harvest fields of hatred, distrust, and violence.”
Framing the festival’s theme as a reality check, Dr Opong-Fosu insisted that solving Ghana’s challenges—from youth unemployment to broken roads—requires political adversaries capable of dialogue without mutual demonisation. He challenged traditional authorities to act as uncompromising custodians of national morality rather than treating political provocateurs lightly.
Setting a standard for leadership as the NDC prepares for its national contests, Dr Opong-Fosu urged:
“No political victory, no partisan agenda, and no parliamentary seat is worth sacrificing the peace, the unity, and the future of the Republic of Ghana that we call our home.”
The event was chaired by Efo Biadela Mortey Akpadzi, former Executive Director for EOCO and Chairman of the Gold Board Tribunal, alongside Togbui Adame Danku X, traditional leaders across the Volta Region, and Ho West MP, Hon. Emmanuel Bedzrah.
The annual Hlefi Yam Festival is a major cultural and developmental event hosted by the chiefs and people of the Hlefi Traditional Area in the Ho West Constituency. Marking the end of the farming season, the festival doubles as a platform for homecoming, cultural preservation, and fundraising for local infrastructure projects.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana