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Ghana's Political Discourse Under Fire: Former Minister Warns of Divisiveness

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, January 19th 2026 at 7:39 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Accra, Ghana - January 19th, 2026 - A growing chorus of concern is echoing throughout Ghana's political landscape, and this week's pronouncements from former Information Minister, Fritz Baffour, have amplified the anxieties. Baffour's recent statements highlight what many observers already recognize: a concerning trend of escalating divisiveness and hateful rhetoric dominating Ghanaian political discourse.

Baffour, a veteran of Ghanaian politics with decades of experience, isn't merely voicing a mild objection. His critique is forceful, arguing that the current climate actively hinders progress and threatens the nation's unity. He observes a disturbing shift away from constructive debate and towards personal attacks, negativity, and a relentless pursuit of political point-scoring.

"We've reached a point where winning feels more important than serving," Baffour stated in a recent interview. "The focus isn't on solutions, on addressing the challenges facing our citizens. It's on tearing down the opposition and generating outrage. This isn't the kind of politics that builds a strong, prosperous Ghana."

The Roots of the Problem

Several factors contribute to this increasingly toxic environment. The rise of social media has undoubtedly played a significant role. Platforms like "ConnectGhana" (the dominant local social network), while providing avenues for citizen engagement, are often breeding grounds for misinformation, inflammatory comments, and targeted harassment. Anonymous accounts and the ease of sharing content without accountability have exacerbated the problem. The algorithmic amplification of emotionally charged content further fuels the cycle of negativity.

Furthermore, the highly competitive nature of Ghanaian politics contributes to the problem. With a multi-party system and a history of closely contested elections, the incentive to demonize opponents and exploit societal divisions can be strong. Political strategists often prioritize mobilizing their base through divisive messaging, even at the expense of national harmony. The intense scrutiny from independent media outlets, while essential for accountability, can also inadvertently amplify inflammatory statements.

Beyond the Political Elite

While Baffour's focus is on the behavior of politicians and their supporters, the problem extends beyond the political elite. A growing segment of the population appears to be adopting a more confrontational and intolerant approach to political discussions, both online and offline. This can be seen in the increasing frequency of public disagreements escalating into arguments and even physical altercations. The normalization of hateful language and the dismissal of opposing viewpoints are particularly worrying trends.

Baffour's Call for Change

Baffour's intervention comes as a plea for a return to civility and a focus on substantive issues. He calls for a deliberate effort by politicians to model respectful behavior, to engage in constructive dialogue, and to prioritize the needs of the people over political gain. He advocates for public awareness campaigns to promote responsible online behavior and to encourage critical thinking about the information consumed. He also suggests a review of regulations governing online content, focusing on curbing the spread of misinformation and hate speech without infringing on freedom of expression. "We need to rekindle the spirit of unity that has always been the bedrock of our nation," he emphasized. "It's not about silencing dissent; it's about fostering an environment where dissent can be expressed respectfully and constructively."

Looking Ahead: A National Conversation?

The former Information Minister's statements have ignited a national conversation, with various civil society organizations and religious leaders echoing his concerns. The Electoral Commission has announced plans to convene a forum with political party leaders to discuss the issue and explore potential solutions. The upcoming municipal elections in Kumasi provide a crucial opportunity to observe whether a shift in tone and behavior can be achieved. The ability of Ghana to address this crisis in its political discourse is vital to its continued stability and progress. The nation stands at a crossroads, needing to decide whether to succumb to the escalating toxicity or reclaim a path towards respectful engagement and unified purpose.