By Emmanuel AKOMEA
As part of efforts to ensure Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of peace is safeguarded, key stakeholders have joined forces to launch a nationwide ‘Campaign Against Hate Speech’ aimed at curbing the menace of inflamatory political discourse.
The campaign was launched under the theme ‘Decency in Politics’ and is being spearheaded by the Queen Mother’s Foundation, Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Royal Tv – seeking to ensure that peace is preached across the country by all citizens.
Speaking at the event, GTA’s Chief Executive Officer Akwasi Agyeman underscored the link between political stability and a thriving tourism industry.
“For tourism to thrive, there must be peace. And also for us, we appreciate that there is a political season; but politics must not divide us. Politics is a contest of ideas and we should be able to share different ideas in peace,” he said.
Mr. Agyeman, lamenting about how comments that do not promote peace are becoming rampant on radio and television stations, said: “People who may want to visit Ghana see us as a beacon of peace. We always pride ourselves on being one of the peaceful countries within the sub-region.”
The ‘Campaign Against Hate Speech’ aims to reclaim the country’s peaceful heritage by harnessing the unifying power of culture and tradition. The organisers believe that by tapping into the influence of Ghana’s revered queen mothers and the universal language of music, they can foster a more civil and productive political discourse.
The campaign will involve a multifaceted approach, including advocacy work and the creation of a peace song that will be ready within a few days by MUSIGA for broadcast. The stakeholders believe music has a unifying power based on its historical significance.
Mr. Agyeman added that the timing of the campaign is particularly significant, as it coincides with the celebration of World Tourism Day which focuses on the theme ‘Tourism and Peace’. He is hopeful that the event will serve as a powerful platform to amplify their message and stimulate support from the broader public.
“We are throwing our weight behind it: let us all work together, let us pick up against indecent language,” GTA’s CEO declared.
The 2nd Vice President in charge of the Women’s Desk at MUSIGA, Abena Ruthy, also emphasised the crucial role of women in driving positive change – hence the Queen Mother’s Foundation being part of such a strong initiative.
Ms. Ruthy called on Ghanaians to refrain from hate speech in their political address, stressing that “there is no place like home” and urging citizens to agree to disagree as brothers and sisters.
President of the Queen Mother’s Foundation, Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu, called on media to be responsible in their news coverage and make it a point to speak about peace rather than using their platforms to propagate violent comments.
She also called on all Queen Mothers to advise young ones within their communities to resist the influence of political leaders leading them to indulge them in violent activities.
