Ghana’s political history is anchored on a foundation of profound reverence for statehood, traditional and religious authorities, and senior citizens.
Recent waves of verbal abuse targeting the Asantehene, the Okyenhene, and several esteemed religious and traditional leaders by political activists represent a dangerous departure from our cultural heritage.
This article stands in absolute solidarity with our revered leaders.
We must collectively reject these toxic behaviors that threaten our social fabric.
A Cultural and Spiritual Abberation
In the Ghanaian matrix, age represents wisdom, and traditional stools and religious institutions embody the soul of the state.
Attacking custodians of these offices and leaders of religious groups is completely alien to our political traditions. Our national values dictate that political differences should be argued with intellect and courtesy, not with insults directed at elders.
Both the dominant faiths in Ghana—Christianity and Islam—unequivocally condemn the disrespect of authority figures and elders.
The Bible places immense premium on honoring leadership and age:
Leviticus 19:32: “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly, and revere your God.”
Romans 13:7: “Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
Similarly, Islamic theology positions respect for elders as a fundamental pillar of faith and a reflection of one’s devotion to Allah.
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship anyone except Him and, to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] ‘Uff,’ and do not repel them, but speak to them noble words,” —Quran 17:23
This divine mandate is further reinforced by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in the Hadith literature:
“He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and esteem to our elderly.” Sunan At-Tirmidhi.
Dangers to National Security and Cohesion
The normalization of political insults against traditional and religious authorities poses a severe threat to Ghana’s stability.
Erosion of Mediation Structures: Traditional and religious leaders act as the ultimate mediators during national crises. Destabilizing their moral authority leaves the country without trusted arbiters during election disputes or civil unrest.
Threat to National Cohesion: Chieftaincy and religious institutions command fierce loyalty from millions of citizens. Insulting a king like the Asantehene or Okyenhene deeply hurts the pride of their entire traditional area, creating volatile tribal tensions.
Decay of Youth Morality: When young political activists see leadership figures insulted without consequences, it creates a copycat effect. This destroys the mentorship structures necessary for cultivating the next generation of responsible civic leaders.
Stifling National Development: Investor confidence thrives on political predictability and social stability. A polarized atmosphere driven by toxic rhetoric slows down public policy execution and scares away long-term developmental partners.
A Call to Action for Political Leadership
We cannot allow political expediency to destroy centuries of cultural decorum. The primary responsibility to halt this decline rests on the shoulders of our political party executives and the government.
Leadership is defined by what it tolerates. Political heads must immediately move beyond generic press releases and take decisive action.
Governments and heads of political parties must:
Publicly Distance Themselves: Issue clear, unambiguous statements condemning any party member or activist who insults traditional and religious institutions.
Enforce Strict Party Sanctions: Implement immediate suspensions and revocations of party roles for internal elements who use abusive language against elders.
Blacklist Offenders: Deny media representation duties to any communicator or activist known for weaponizing disrespect.
Ghana has long been celebrated as a beacon of democracy and cultural richness in Africa. We must preserve this reputation by fiercely protecting the dignity of our elders and traditional institutions from the corrosion of partisan politics.
God bless our homeland Ghana and make her greater and stronger.
BY Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman
Tafidan Hausa for Africa and Europe
Executive Director of African Security and Development Forum (ASDEF)
Eminent Member and Chairman of the Finance and Fundraising Committee, GARPC – the National Peace Council of Ghana
