Politics in Ghana

By Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor

E-mail: mjbokor@yahoo.com

March 24, 2011

Two incidents (whether real or imaginary) reported by the pro-NPP Daily Guide newspaper seem to be creating conditions for deepening the gulf between Ghana’s arch political rivals—the NDC and NPP. Whether it’s for political weal or woe, the report has aroused public interest and seems to be reflecting the troubling contradictions in our political system. Both the NDC and NPP seem to be locked up in an unhealthy battle-of-nerves whose main arsenal is insults… insults… insults; and nothing but insults.

Those using insults as a political tool must know the benefits while those at whom the insults are hurled are vehemently chafing under the impact. Using insults as such is offensive to public morality. Whether we like it or not, however, recourse to insults as a political tool has been the norm over the years. The earlier we acknowledge this problem and work seriously to solve it, the better chances are that we will be re-positioning ourselves to do clean and productive issues-based politics.

What seems to be arousing anger in the NPP followers is straight-forward. Kobby Akyeampong, Deputy Minister of Tourism, is on record for his “kokoase kurasene” reference to the NPP’s General Secretary. With this Daily Guide publication that he insulted the NPP’s Akufo-Addo as a “fruitcake,” he must be said to have scored another goal in this game of insults. As if that is not already too much for the NPP to cry over, the Deputy Minister of Works and Housing (Dr. Hannah Bissiw) is also alleged by the same Daily Guide newspaper to have labelled the NPP’s Akufo-Addo as “a sexy old fool.”

Both Kobby Akyeampong and Hannah Bissiw have come out to deny ever making such utterances and cautioned the press to be circumspect in their reportage. Indeed, their denial seems not to have been heard at all by the NPP. As is to be expected, the NPP is up in arms, seeking official sanctions to be imposed on both...