Millicent Amankwah Yeboah, Member of Parliament for Sunyani West, has appealed to her fellow legislators to adopt a more measured and responsible tone in their public communications, especially during election seasons, to prevent the escalation of violence among political supporters.
Responding to recent unrest witnessed during the Ablekuma North election re-run—which Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin publicly condemned—Madam Amankwah Yeboah highlighted the powerful role political leaders play in either calming or inflaming tensions within their constituencies.
“Words carry weight,” she reminded lawmakers, stressing that reckless statements could inadvertently spark violent confrontations, putting lives and public safety at risk. She pointed out that such incidents often result in arrests and harm, not only to political actors but to innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
The Sunyani West MP also underscored the importance of promoting unity and respect in parliamentary discourse, particularly when tackling sensitive topics like electoral processes and gender-related issues. She warned against divisive rhetoric that could deepen societal fractures at a critical juncture for Ghana’s democracy.
“Leadership is about setting an example for the nation,” she asserted. “Our commitment to peace and democratic values must be evident in both our words and actions.”
As Ghana approaches future elections, Madam Amankwah Yeboah’s call serves as a timely reminder for elected officials to foster dialogue that bridges divides rather than widens them, safeguarding the country’s reputation as a stable and peaceful democracy.
