NPP-Rhein-Neckar Decries The Politics Of Insults

Members of the Rhein-Neckar Chapter of the NPP have expressed concern about the increasing use of abusive and insulting language which has become common place in Ghana’s political discourse.

In a statement issued and signed by Mr Akwasi Opoku Edusei General Secretary of the party after a meeting over the weekend, members unanimously condemned the politics of insults which is gradually assuming alarming proportions in the country. The statement pointed out that this culture of political insults not only undermines our democracy but set bad precedence for the younger generation and portrays a very negative image of our country.

The statement reminded all that what the ordinary Ghanaian expects and indeed deserves is a political discourse that is issue-oriented and not personal attacks. It added ’come 2012 and Ghanaians will have the opportunity to pass their verdict and this verdict will be determined by how the needs and aspirations of the populace have been met and not how much insults we have traded’.

It explained that in multi-party democracy , the right to hold and express divergent views is an essential element that strengthens and deepens the democratic culture of every nation. This right, the statement continued must be exercised with care and responsibility so as to avoid plunging society into chaos and anarchy.

The statement notes with regret that at a time when the country is confronted with problems needing immediate attention and lasting solutions, government officials and appointees seem to be more interested in trading insults than meeting the needs of the ordinary Ghanaian. ’The politics of insults is a sign of immaturity and it is particularly common among people with a deep sense of insecurity’ it added.

The statement called on members of the NPP to concentrate and remain focused on issues that matter to Ghanaians particularly the persistent gas shortages, the high cost of living, the erratic water and power supply and the abysmal failure of the Mills-Mahama administration to fulfil the numerous campaign promises made to the people of Ghana.

It went on to congratulate the NPP leadership for demonstrating that high sense of civility in the face of deliberate provocation and urged them not to allow themselves to be provoked to join in the use of abusive language adding’we must not compromise the high standards and the culture of democratic tolerance that the NPP has pioneered in this country’.

According to the statement, the official inauguration of the Rhein-Neckar chapter and a fund raising dance will take place on 29 October 2011 during which several party officials from Ghana are expected to be in attendance.