Security Analyst George Doyen-Dosu has urged political parties and government officials to exercise caution in their choice of words and language during national engagements to avert a national catastrophe.
His warning comes in response to provocative statements from members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and retaliatory remarks from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP Bernard Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, during the official unveiling of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as the running mate of the party’s flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at Jubilee Park in Kumasi in July of this year, boasted that the NPP had “one million ways” to retain power.
Adding to the controversy, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, declared at a unity walk organised by the NPP on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in Mpraeso, Eastern Region, that the NPP would “never hand over power to the NDC” and would “do whatever it takes to win the elections.”
These remarks have drawn sharp reactions from the NDC, with some members accusing the NPP of “beating war drums” and escalating political tensions in the gear-up to the 2024 polls.
Dosu, who is also the Executive Director of the Doyen Institute of Intelligence and Investigations, told The Independent Ghana that such extreme speech could radicalise segments of the public and lead to the formation of vigilante groups willing to use violence for political ends.
“Extreme speech can radicalise certain elements of the public, resulting in the formation of extremist groups willing to use violence to advance their political goals.
This could lead to the development of militias or vigilante groups, increased use of political thuggery, and an increased risk of targeted assassinations, kidnappings, or sabotage,” Dosu said.
He warned that such rhetoric could erode public trust in democratic institutions, including the Electoral Commission (EC).
“Statements signalling a refusal to hand over power or the threat of violence to ‘defend democracy’ can erode the confidence and authority of major democratic institutions, including the Electoral Commission, the judiciary, and law enforcement authorities.
This loss of trust can lead to widespread doubt about election results, fuelling conspiracy theories and protests, and potentially leading to a constitutional crisis if the conclusion is widely questioned,” he added.
Ghana, a symbol of democracy in West Africa with a history of peaceful power transitions since 1992, faces a crucial test as it prepares for the December elections.
Past elections have seen tensions and incidents of violence, highlighting the need for vigilance and commitment to democratic principles.