National Democratic Congress (NDC) National chairman aspirant, Dr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has called on political leaders and media commentators to end insults, character assassination and ethnic-based rhetoric in Ghana’s political discourse.
He made the call while delivering a keynote address as Special Guest at the 2026 Hlefi Traditional Area Yam Festival in the Ho West Constituency of the Volta Region.
The festival was held under the theme, “Uniting Citizens for Development.”
Dr Opong-Fosu expressed concern about what he described as the growing normalisation of profane language, personal attacks and inflammatory commentary in the media, warning that such practices threaten national cohesion and undermine public trust.
He stressed that economic policies and infrastructure development could not be sustained without peace, mutual respect and a strong sense of national unity.
“Look at the history of nations that fell into chaos—it did not start with guns; it started with tongues,” he cautioned.
He argued that verbal aggression by political actors and social commentators could breed hatred, distrust and violence if left unchecked.
The former Minister for Local Government said his bid for the NDC National Chairmanship was aimed at building a strong and united party capable of consolidating its achievements and protecting the legacy of President John Dramani Mahama.
He called for a return to political values that encourage mutual respect, even among people with opposing views.
Dr Opong-Fosu also urged traditional authorities to take a firm stance against political provocateurs and individuals whose conduct undermines the country’s moral and social fabric.
He maintained that Ghana’s development challenges, including youth unemployment and poor road infrastructure, required political actors to work together rather than resort to personal attacks and divisive rhetoric.
“No political victory, no partisan agenda, and no parliamentary seat is worth sacrificing the peace, the unity, and the future of the Republic of Ghana that we call our home,” he said.
Beyond his call for political unity, Dr Opong-Fosu pledged to collaborate with the Member of Parliament for Ho West, Emmanuel Bedzrah, to help realise a water project for the area.
The pledge, he indicated, reflected the need for political leadership to prioritise the welfare and development needs of communities.
He urged political leaders to focus on practical interventions that improve living conditions, particularly at the grassroots level.
The event was chaired by Efo Biadela Mortey Akpadzi, a former Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and Chairman of the Gold Board Tribunal.
Also present were Paramount Chief Togbui Adame Danku X, traditional leaders from across the Volta Region and the Ho West MP, Emmanuel Bedzrah.
The annual Hlefi Yam Festival is a major cultural celebration organised by the chiefs and people of the Hlefi Traditional Area to mark the end of the farming season.
The festival also serves as a platform for cultural preservation, community development, homecoming activities and mobilisation of resources for local infrastructure projects.
