The need for tolerance in Ghana's Fourth Republic

Over the years, Ghana has experienced successive peaceful elections, earning global acclaim for its stable democratic process and smooth transition of power.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have emerged as the two dominant political forces shaping the nation's political landscape.

Despite these successes, there are underlying issues that threaten the very fabric of this democracy: growing intolerance among political party supporters, the proliferation of smear campaigns and increasing polarisation.

Upholding peace pacts

A significant aspect of Ghana's electoral process is the signing of peace pacts by political party flag bearers before a general election. This practice is intended to ensure peaceful, free, and fair elections by committing the candidates and their  parties to avoid violence, accept election results, and seek legal redress if necessary.

However, the effectiveness of these pacts, facilitated by the Peace Council and other national and international bodies, has come under scrutiny.

For instance, former President John Dramani Mahama of the NDC questioned the value of such agreements when incidents of violence during the 2020 general election went unaddressed. The mere signing of a peace pact is not enough if the commitments made are not upheld in practice.

Political diversity

Ghana's political diversity is one of its greatest strengths; the existence of multiple political parties and varying ideologies. This diversity is crucial for a healthy democracy, as it fosters debate, encourages different perspectives, and prevents any single group from monopolising power.

However, this diversity also presents challenges. The intense competition between the NPP and NDC often leads to a polarised political climate. Regional and ethnic allegiances further fuel this polarisation, creating an environment of intolerance, inflammatory rhetoric and hostility among party supporters.

This can also deepen divisions and hinder the development of a cohesive national identity.

Intolerance among political party supporters has become increasingly evident in recent years. Supporters of the NPP and NDC often view each other as adversaries rather than fellow citizens with differing opinions.

 This intolerance manifests in various ways, including verbal abuse, physical confrontation and the spread of misinformation.

Ayawaso West Wuogon:

One of the most notable incidents of political intolerance occurred during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in 2019. Violence erupted between NPP and NDC supporters, involving physical assaults and gunfire.

A significant incident that occurred was when Samuel Nartey George, an NDC Member of Parliament, was  physically assaulted by a member of the National Security team, putting into question the role of the security agencies in preventing election related violence . 

Techiman-South

Another example  is the violence that occurred in the Techiman South Constituency during the 2020 general election. Disagreements over election results led to violent clashes between NPP and NDC supporters, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and injuries to several others. 
Verbal abuse and hate speech:

Intolerance is not limited to physical confrontations; it also manifests in verbal abuse and hate speech, particularly on social media platforms. Supporters of the NPP and NDC frequently engage in insults, spread false information, and make derogatory comments about each other. This toxic environment leaves little room for constructive debate and further polarises the electorate.

Smear campaigns

Smear campaigns have become a troubling feature of Ghanaian politics. The rise of social media has only exacerbated this issue, as misinformation can spread rapidly and widely.

Politicians and their supporters often exploit these platforms to launch attacks, using doctored images, fake news, or malicious rumours to damage the reputation of their opponents.

In addition to the immediate harm to targeted individuals, such conducts erode public trust in political institutions and leaders, create a climate of fear and suspicion, and distract from substantive issues that should be the focus of political discourse.

In a healthy democracy, competition should be based on ideas, policies and track records —not on personal attacks and character assassination.

Imperative for tolerance

To safeguard Ghana’s democracy, there is an urgent need to cultivate a culture of political tolerance. Tolerance involves more than just accepting differing viewpoints; it requires actively engaging with those views, seeking common ground and respecting the right of others to hold different opinions. 

Way forward

Several strategies can be employed to promote political tolerance in Ghana: Civic education:  The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and civil society organisations can play a key role in educating citizens about the value of respecting diverse opinions and the dangers of political intolerance.

Responsible leadership: Political leaders must set an example for their supporters by engaging in respectful dialogue, avoiding inflammatory rhetoric, and condemning acts of violence and intolerance.

Leaders should work together across party lines to demonstrate that collaboration is possible despite ideological differences.

Responsible media:  Journalists should strive for accuracy, fairness, and balance in their coverage, avoiding sensationalism and the spread of unverified information.

Strengthening laws and institutions: There is a need to strengthen laws and institutions that protect against hate speech, defamation and other forms of political intolerance; ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

Engaging youth:  Youth organisations and political parties should promote programmes that encourage young people to engage in politics constructively, since they are often the frontline political activists.

By embracing diversity, fostering respect for differing opinions and rejecting smear tactics, Ghana can build a more inclusive and cohesive society where democracy is not only preserved but strengthened for future generations.

The writer is a journalist, entrepreneur and gender activist