Intemperate National Discourse Worrying - Speaker Bagbin Warns Against Abusive, Threatening Speech

Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has expressed concern over what he describes as the increasingly intemperate character of Ghana's national discourse.

Speaking after summoning Members of Parliament for today's extraordinary meeting, the Speaker said there are important constitutional and procedural matters arising from the circumstances under which the meeting was convened, which he will address shortly.

However, before doing so, he said it had become necessary to draw the attention of the House to a matter which in his view transcends the immediate business for which they have assembled.

"This matter concerns the increasingly intemperate character of our national discourse and particularly the growing incidence of abusive, insulting, threatening and hate speech in our public discourse," Rt Hon Bagbin stated.

He noted that the tone of public discourse in the country should concern all members.

According to the Speaker, the expansion of social media, or 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.

CUE IN.....SPEAKER

Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, says the gains made in Ghana's democratic discourse must be protected.

The Speaker said freedom of speech and expression, including freedom of the press and other media, is guaranteed by the Constitution.

According to him, criticism of public officials, political disagreements, satire, dissent and vigorous debate are essential features of a democratic society.