He further warned that hate speech, whether rooted in religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs, had the potential to incite violence and create divisions within communities.
“When you use your religion or ethnicity to demean another person, it can trigger emotions that escalate into unforeseen consequences,” at the opening of a two-day advocacy campaign against hate speech and sensitization on Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999) in Accra.
“We must watch our language and avoid any form of abuse. Valuing human life and respecting our neighbors is key to maintaining peace,” he said.
The event, organised by the National Peace Council (NPC) in collaboration with Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes, brought together political parties, civil society, religious groups, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders from the Ayawaso North and East Constituencies.
The forum focused on discussing strategies to promote peace and curb inflammatory rhetoric.
Mr. Amoh emphasized the National Peace Council’s (NPC) ongoing commitment to promoting peace, particularly during elections.
He explained that while the NPC’s efforts were continuous, they become especially crucial during election periods due to the sensitive and emotive nature of the electoral process.
“Elections often stir emotions and tensions, and this can lead to violence if not managed properly.
We have seen examples in other countries like Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and Liberia. These are reminders of why we must prioritise peace and dialogue over conflict,” he said.
Mr. Amoh also highlighted the dangers of political vigilantism, recounting how it had evolved from supporting parliamentary candidates to becoming a threat to public safety.
“By the 2016 elections, these groups had transformed into vigilantes, becoming a burden even to the politicians who initially engaged them,” he noted.
Mr. Amoh urged political actors and citizens alike to conduct themselves peacefully during the upcoming elections, emphasising that the results, whether favorable or not, should be accepted with dignity.
“If your candidate doesn’t win today, it’s a loss for four years, not forever. Learn from it, prepare, and try again. Peace is the only security for us and future generations. Let’s approach these elections with a heart for our country,” he said.
Mr. Mawuli Agbenu, Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Greater Accra Region, cautioned that hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation could pollute the political environment and incite violence.
He noted that while political campaigns could be contentious, violence should never be part of the democratic process.
Mr. Agbenu defined hate speech as any form of communication—spoken, written, or visual—that seeks to demean or incite hatred based on ethnicity, gender, or other inherent characteristics.
He also highlighted the importance of public education, noting that many people unknowingly engaged in hate speech.
Mr. Agbenu urged Ghanaians to hold accountable those who spread such rhetoric, including politicians, by denying them their votes.
He stressed the value of a multiplier effect, where attendees would spread awareness and educate others about hate speech, thereby fostering peaceful elections.
He also called on journalists to avoid providing platforms to individuals promoting hate and to exercise due diligence before publishing information.
“The media has a responsibility to promote unity, not division. Amplifying hate speech only fuels tensions,” he cautioned.
Imam Mohammed Nuhu Jajah, Chief Imam of the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly urged Ghanaians to remain patient and tolerant, especially in the face of provocation.
“Islam is a peaceful religion. We consistently advocate for peace at our regular Muslim meetings,” he added.
Imam Jajah called on political leaders to refrain from inciting violence among their supporters and urged citizens to vote peacefully, avoiding any confrontations.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to upholding peace and ensuring that Ghana’s democratic process remains free from violence and hate.
GNA
