Political scientist, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has urged political parties to eschew insults and rather focus on facts and sound arguments in their campaigns.
His comments follow reports that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is considering issuing an apology to President John Dramani Mahama over offensive remarks made by the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Thursday, June 12, Dr. Asah-Asante questioned both the timing and sincerity of the purported apology.
Dr. Asah-Asante noted that the electorate is increasingly discerning and will favour candidates who show respect and substance over those who engage in insults.
He pointed out that Mr. Mahama’s electoral success, despite consistent attacks, underscores the power of ideas over insults.
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“Let us deal with politics using argument, using data, using records, and then shy away from invectives, abusive language, very disturbing language. Those things will not help anybody. They don’t win you any votes. Look at all these things. Ghanaians have looked at it and said, Mahama, we give you power. So now, here you are. You see your sheer size. So let us approach these things very well and then let us respect political actors, opponents, as human beings. Let’s give them respect and that’s all. There’s no point insulting somebody or telling insult or using abusive language on your own politics when you have argument, argue out. I will tell my students that politics is driven by argument. So me, on radio and TV, if you argue and insult me, you are wasting your time. Because I have power of argument. And I will make sure that I will demolish you using argument.”
Chairman Wontumi, in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, made a series of derogatory remarks about Mr. Mahama , many of which went viral and attracted widespread condemnation—even from within the NPP.
On Tuesday, June 10, Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, revealed on Channel One TV that senior NPP members are quietly working behind the scenes to issue an apology to the former president.
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According to Dr. Afriyie, the gesture is not just for political optics but reflects a genuine effort to promote maturity and humility within the party.
He also hinted that the ongoing legal challenges facing Chairman Wontumi may have political undertones, which has sparked deeper reflection within the NPP’s leadership.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
