Member of Parliament (MP) for the Nsawam Adoagyiri constituency, Frank Annoh Dompreh, today sparked controversy when he described his potential contender, Hayford Siaw and the Polling Station Executives supporting him as “Dabo Dabo ne ne mma” to wit a “duck and its ducklings”. The comment has raised concerns over the use of insulting language in political discourse and its effects on the image of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In light of the upcoming constituency primaries, tensions have been running high between supporters of different aspirants. Dompreh’s derogatory remarks have only exacerbated these tensions and drawn criticism from members of the party who believe that such language is unbecoming of an elected representative.
The use of insulting language in political discourse is not a new phenomenon, however, it has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with many politicians resorting to name-calling and personal attacks when voicing their disagreements. This trend is not unique to Ghana but is a problem faced by many countries worldwide.
One of the main effects of the politics of insult is that it can bring the image of a political party into disrepute. When politicians engage in name-calling and personal attacks, they do not only undermine the credibility of their opponents but also damage their own reputation. This can lead to a loss of confidence in the party, as constituents become disillusioned with the lack of respect shown by their elected representatives.
Some elders of the party in the constituency say that politics of insult being spearheaded by the MP can distract the public from the real issues at hand. Instead of engaging in meaningful debates and offering solutions to the problems facing constituents, Annoh Dompreh is resorting to insults and personal attacks, blurring the lines between constructive criticism and baseless accusations. The Elders assert that this can lead to a lack of accountability and transparency, as politicians are less likely to engage in substantive debates when they feel attacked personally.
Politics of insult is a problematic trend within modern political discourse. Annoh Dompreh, MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri’s recent comments about potential contender Hayford Siaw and his supporters have raised concerns over the use of insulting language in political discourse and its effects on the image of the NPP. It is important for politicians to engage in respectful, constructive dialogue, focusing on the issues facing their constituents rather than engaging in name-calling and personal attacks. By doing so, they can help to restore trust and confidence in the political process and demonstrate their commitment to serving the public interest.