IPR bemoans intemperate language in Ghanaian politics

The Council of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, on Monday cautioned political and opinion leaders to be circumspect in their utterances, particularly when addressing a mass of people, no matter the channel of communication.

It expressed worry about the alarming use of intemperate and intolerant language by politicians and political spokespersons.

It said, the trend is dragging the political discourse and public speaking from the image of Ghana as a warm and friendly country.

In spite of all exhortations and appeals, the language of politicians is assuming a colour and tone which is creating a lot of discomfort and anguish to well-meaning Ghanaians.

This was contained in a statement issued by Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd), President of the Institute and copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday.

Events of the recent past must be recognised as a wake-up call to the vast majority of Ghanaians that, there is a danger that brand Ghana may suffer serious reputational damage which will affect our image as a peaceful, friendly, open and welcoming society.

“The image that Ghana has carved for herself from the tumultuous decades of the 70’s and 80’s, was achieved through the work of political actors, opinion leaders and statesmen who were far-sighted enough to understand that natural resources and human resources alone will not give us competitive advantage in our sub-region.

“What has given us the rapid acceleration and increased investment attraction in the West African sub-region, is our penchant to live and let live, and our willingness to rise above entrenched positions in order to advance the good of the Ghanaian collective.

“As professional communicators, we have observed the present escalation of polarisation through public discourse with dissatisfaction and regret, IPR has joined other well-meaning Ghanaians to advocate the use of decorous and decent language in the ongoing political contest because Brand Ghana, is not only a Ghanaian brand but the pacesetter for African regeneration. Any failure will not only affect the 25 million souls in Ghana but the entire African continent and the Black Diaspora,” the statement said.

Once again, we are appealing to the men and women for whom the fire-eating spokesmen work, to restrain these spokespersons by enforcing a strict public discourse code, which rejects intemperate language that seeks to justify bigotry, prejudice and discrimination of any kind.

"IPR is calling on all national leaders, political, economic, commercial, industrial, academic or traditional to make their voices heard in this national crusade."

It cautioned the media at all times, to seriously consider the security and interest of Ghana in their broadcasting and publications, noting that repetitive negative reportage have a repercussion on the image of Ghana in international circles, which seriously damages the investment climate in Ghana.

"Investors may be tempted to shy away from Ghana, basically because of the stories carried in the media. Our media need to learn from best practice from other countries where the media go to reasonable lengths to protect the image and integrity of the state by playing their gate-keeping roles with extreme discretion."

Politics, in the view of IPR should not become a matter of survival of the fittest to the detriment of Brand Ghana.

"We call on all to place the interest of Ghana well and truly above self and group."**