2024 Elections: NDC Running mate condemns politics of insults; says politicians who insult are not serious
The running mate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has condemned the use of insults in politics as campaigns intensify ahead of the crucial December 7, 2024, general elections.
According to her, insults have no place in election campaigns as they do not contribute to the nation’s development.
A video of the former Minister of Education making this admonishment at a campaign rally has gone viral on social media after some members of the public criticized NDC Flagbearer John Mahama for allegedly using insults in his campaign.
John Mahama recently responded to Vice President Bawumia by accusing him of “running away from the economy,” citing a well-known line from Bill Clinton’s campaign: “It’s about the economy, stupid!”
Mahama’s comments followed Bawumia’s presentation of 50 questions on the economy, in response to Mahama’s initial five questions.
Critics argue that, having held the highest office in the country, Mahama should refrain from quoting insults to make his point.
In the video, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang describes anyone who resorts to insults in political campaigning as “not a serious person” and asserts that such individuals should step back.
“We are developing as a nation, and it’s not about insults. If insults could change a country, we wouldn’t have any issues as a nation. There have been many insults, but they have led us nowhere; they didn’t fix potholes, provide water, build additional schools, or construct better airports and harbors. Insults haven’t made life more comfortable for Ghanaians.”
She added, “Instead, insults have taught children to use abusive and offensive language, which is harmful. In our current campaign, we have chosen to avoid politics of insults. Anyone who uses insults is not serious and doesn’t want to achieve anything meaningful. Such people should take a back seat.”
The Chief Justice has warned political parties and other stakeholders to ensure that they take their procedures seriously when they file a case in court or risk having their case thrown out.
Speaking at the launch of the latest manual on adjudicating elections on Thursday, October 31, 2024, the Chief Justice insisted that procedure is fundamental and goes to the heart of every dispute before a court.
The Chief Justice therefore cautioned potential litigants to pay attention to procedure when they proceed to court.
“Not only is procedure critical, but a failure to provide the legal threshold of evidence can be costly. Starting an action in the wrong court can lead to loss of an otherwise perfect case. This is why I crave and ask that strong attention should be given to the teachings and lessons in the materials that have been freely given in this manual.
“It should be extremely helpful to especially the media which needs to correctly inform the public on ongoing disputes. This year’s edition which is divided into three volumes as already stated has the most significant change. For ease of reference is a credit to its drafters. In these three volumes they have done a thorough job of reflecting the changing course of election law while remaining true to the overraching principle that have guided previous edition.”
