In recent days, Ghana’s political and social space has been tainted by a dangerous trend—openly wishing for the death of leaders. The latest example came from social media personalities Akosua Jollof and her associate Fante Brother, whose brazen pronouncements wishing for the death of the President have rightly sparked public outrage and led to their arrest. Their conduct is not only morally reprehensible but also a direct affront to our nation’s values of decency, respect, and the sanctity of life.
Equally troubling is the selective outrage and double standards that have plagued our national conscience. Just as Akosua Jollof’s words are indefensible, so too were the chants and utterances from some members of the then opposition NDC members,under the erstwhileNPP administration, including notable party figures like Sammy Gyamfi’s camp, who in the past have sung for God to “kill” Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Such acts—whether from one side or the other—are cut from the same poisonous cloth. Yet, those quick to condemn one instance often remain conveniently silent when it is their own allies spewing similar venom.
This hypocrisy is dangerous. It emboldens bad behavior, poisons our political climate, and risks normalizing hate speech as a tool of political expression. The selective defense of wrongdoers based on political affiliation is an insult to the intelligence of Ghanaians and a betrayal of the democratic principles we claim to cherish.
Political leaders, influencers, and citizens alike must understand that the call for the death of any Ghanaian—whether a president, vice president, or ordinary citizen—has no place in our national discourse. It is not “political banter,” it is not “just a joke,” and it is certainly not an acceptable form of protest. Words have power, and when they cross the line into incitement or dehumanization, they threaten the very peace and stability we all depend on.
If we are serious about sanitizing our political culture, we must begin by applying the law fairly and consistently. The same legal yardstick must measure the actions of Akosua Jollof and Fante Brother as it did, or should have, those in Sammy Gyamfi’s camp. There must be no sacred cows.
Beyond arrests, Ghana urgently needs a systematic approach to curb such reckless utterances:
Swift and impartial enforcement of the law against all who engage in death wishes, hate speech, or incitement, regardless of political or social standing.
Public education campaigns to remind citizens—especially the youth—that political disagreement does not justify dehumanizing opponents.
Political party responsibility, with leadership publicly condemning such utterances from their members and instituting internal disciplinary measures.
Media and influencer accountability, ensuring platforms are not used to promote or glamorize such dangerous rhetoric.
Ghana’s democracy is fragile, and our peace is not guaranteed. If we allow political rivalry to descend into a contest of who can curse or insult more viciously, we will have sown the seeds of instability for future generations.
It is time for a united stand—one where moral courage overrides party loyalty, and where wrong is called wrong no matter who says it. Let us sanitize our national conversation before it poisons us all.
