Disagreement should be expressed through reasoned arguments, not insults – Bagbin

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has expressed concern over the growing use of abusive, insulting, threatening and hate speech in Ghana’s public discourse, warning that the trend risks undermining constructive national dialogue.

Speaking during Parliament’s emergency sitting on Tuesday, September 29, Mr Bagbin said the increasing prevalence of hostile exchanges, particularly on social media and other digital platforms, should concern all Ghanaians.

He acknowledged the positive impact of digital platforms on democratic participation, noting that they have enabled citizens to engage more actively in national conversations, scrutinise public officials, expose wrongdoing and demand accountability.

“The expansion of social media or should I say new media and other digital platforms has undoubtedly enlarged the democratic space,” he said.

“It has given citizens unprecedented opportunities to participate in national conversations, express opinions, criticize public officials, expose wrongdoing and demand accountability. These are gains which must be protected.”

He noted that criticism of public officials, political disagreements, satire, dissent and vigorous debate remain essential features of any democratic society.

However, he cautioned that public discussions are increasingly being dominated by personal attacks rather than thoughtful engagement.

“But freedom of expression does not require the degradation of our public discourse, increasingly, disagreement is expressed not through reasoned arguments but through insults”he stated.

The Speaker urged lawmakers, political actors, media practitioners and the wider public to reflect on the tone of national conversations and promote a culture of respectful engagement despite differing views.

According to him, democratic discourse is strengthened when citizens exchange ideas based on facts, reason and mutual respect rather than hostility and intimidation.

He therefore called on Ghanaians to safeguard the gains of democracy by ensuring that public discussions, both online and offline, remain civil, constructive and focused on issues of national importance.