The 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has called on Ghanaians to promote respect and responsibility in political discourse, cautioning against the use of democratic freedoms as a justification for insults and personal attacks.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 11, Dr Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, said while democracy gives citizens the right to criticise political leaders, parties and ideas, such criticism should not come at the expense of the dignity of those being criticised.
He drew a clear distinction between criticism and insults, stressing that constructive criticism can contribute to national development, while personal attacks only serve to undermine meaningful public debate.
“Criticism and insult are not the same. Criticism identifies what is wrong and can help us think about what must improve. Insult seeks only to humiliate, provoke or silence. One strengthens public debate. The other weakens it.”
NAPO expressed concern about what he described as a growing trend in political discussions where individuals are attacked over their intelligence, appearance or background instead of engaging with the issues they raise.
He warned that such conduct could have a negative influence on young people who look to political leaders and public figures as examples of how to participate in a democracy.
According to him, respect should not be interpreted as an obligation to remain silent or refrain from questioning those in positions of authority.
“Respect has never meant silence. It has never meant that elders, leaders or public officials are beyond criticism,” he stated.
The former Minister for Energy and Education noted that criticism is an unavoidable aspect of public service, but urged political actors and citizens to learn to disagree without treating opponents as enemies.
He said Ghana’s democratic culture would be strengthened when political differences are settled through the exchange of ideas rather than personal attacks.
NAPO further stressed that freedom of expression must be accompanied by responsibility, urging Ghanaians to firmly defend their political positions while respecting those who hold opposing views.
“Democracy requires freedom of expression, but it also requires responsibility of expression,” he added.
