A1 Radio has collaborated with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Upper East Regional Peace Council, and Women in Broadcasting to engage students and the general public on the critical issue of countering hate speech and polarizing narratives ahead of Ghana’s upcoming general elections.
The session aimed to promote democratic consolidation, peace, and responsible communication during this politically charged period.
In a recent dialogue at Gambibgo Senior High School, Deputy Director of the NCCE in the Upper East Region, Augustine Akugri, cautioned that inflammatory or divisive language could lead to unrest and harm the nation’s unity.
He emphasized that while freedom of speech is vital, it must be exercised with respect and awareness of its potential consequences.
“There is that advocacy for what we call freedom of speech, but freedom of speech has its own limitations. This is not to say we should curtail it, as is done in some other countries, but we need to be measured in some of the utterances we make. Whatever comes from our mouths should carry decorum, respect, and something that will not make someone feel bad,” he said.
He urged students to exercise caution when sharing information, particularly in the age of social media, where false or misleading content can spread rapidly. “We need to stop making some of these statements because when you make such statements, they can be classified as hate speech. As we advocate for freedom of speech, we need to remain conscious of what constitutes hate speech,” he explained.
The deputy director encouraged students to fact-check information before sharing it, as fake news can undermine the electoral process and contribute to social division. “In this political season, we need to be very careful about the kind of information we share and the sources we trust. Even if we receive information, let’s verify whether it is credible or simply a joke. If we’re unsure, we should consult experts to determine the credibility of the information before sharing it,” he advised.
The session also highlighted the importance of setting aside ethnicity, tribalism, and religious differences, urging students to see themselves as part of a unified nation with a shared destiny. “We are one people with a common destiny, working for our collective development as a country. Let’s see ourselves as one people. Let’s put ethnicity, tribalism, religion, and other divisive factors aside,” Mr. Akugri remarked.
This initiative was part of a collaborative effort between the station and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The project, titled Countering Hate Speech and Polarizing Narratives to Foster Democratic Consolidation and Peace in Ghana, aims to strengthen the electoral process by promoting tolerance and responsible information sharing.
The project seeks to educate the public on the importance of peaceful political discourse, counter divisive and toxic narratives, and foster inclusive dialogue, especially during the election period. It contributes to the broader goal of consolidating Ghana’s democracy and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
Source: A1 Radio Online | 101.1 MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor| Bolgatanga
