Policy analyst Steve Manteaw has challenged the government to take concrete steps to curb the growing culture of insults in Ghanaian politics, particularly on social media.
Mr Manteaw believes the ruling party must begin the process by calling out individuals perceived to be operating within its political camp and contributing to the increasingly hostile nature of public discourse.
In a social media post, he singled out broadcaster and government critic Kevin Taylor, describing him as part of what he considers the government’s “attacking machinery.”
According to Mr Manteaw, the government’s ability to restrain Mr Taylor would send a strong signal to other political actors that abusive and insulting commentary would not be tolerated.
“The ruling party has to take the first step by calling its members to order, especially Kevin Taylor. I believe they can restrain him. Once that is done, then the others can be brought in line,” he said.
His comments follow calls by private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu for a broader national conversation on the persistent use of insults and personal attacks in Ghanaian politics.
Mr Manteaw argued that addressing the problem requires political parties, particularly those in government, to demonstrate leadership rather than merely condemning offensive political rhetoric when it comes from their opponents.
He suggested that meaningful efforts to improve political discourse would depend on parties being willing to discipline their own supporters and sympathisers whose public comments contribute to political hostility.
The policy analyst’s intervention comes amid renewed concerns over the tone of political discussions on social media, where political actors and their supporters frequently resort to personal attacks, name-calling and insults in defending their respective positions.
Mr Manteaw maintained that restraining prominent voices within the governing party could provide a starting point for bringing other actors into line and creating a more respectful political environment.
