Don't Reward Bitter Language, Democracy Was Hard Won - Bagbin Warns Political Leaders

Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has cautioned against rewarding abusive and bitter language in Ghana's public discourse, warning that it encourages others to copy such conduct to gain recognition.

The Speaker gave the warning on Tuesday after summoning Members of Parliament for an extraordinary meeting.

"Don't reward only bitter terms. That is what I have observed up to date. That encourages others to copy that because that is how they will be recognized. We are not going to entertain that anymore.

Members, democracy has been hard won. We should never assume that democratic stability perpetuates itself. Democracy is sustained not only by constitutions, elections, courts and parliaments. It is also sustained by discipline and decency and a political culture in which citizens can disagree profoundly without ceasing to recognize each other's humanity and equal citizenship.

Honourable members, language matters and I'm happy that you are all spiritual."