“A society that loses respect in speech gradually loses peace in its democracy”
In every democratic society, freedom of speech remains one of the most cherished rights of the people.
It gives citizens the power to express opinions, question leadership, demand accountability and contribute to national discourse without fear.
In Ghana, democracy has flourished partly because people are able to speak openly on matters affecting governance and society.
However, there is an increasing concern that many people, especially some members of the younger generation, are beginning to misunderstand what free speech truly means.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to insult, threaten, incite violence or destroy the dignity of others. Democracy was never designed to encourage reckless behaviour, disrespect or lawlessness. It was established to promote responsible participation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Ghana is a country deeply rooted in culture and values. Traditionally, respect for elders has always been a cornerstone of our society. Children are raised to speak with restraint, humility and wisdom, even when they disagree with authority.
Our culture teaches us that one can correct, critique and challenge another person respectfully without descending into insults or attacks. This value system helped preserve peace and harmony in families and communities for generations.
Today, however, social media and modern communication platforms have changed the nature of public discourse.
Many individuals now sit in front of cameras, microphones and mobile phones and speak recklessly against leaders, elders and even fellow citizens.
Some openly insult public officials, traditional leaders and political figures in ways that would once have been considered unacceptable in our society.
More worrying is the growing trend where some people openly call for violence, harm or even the death of individuals simply because of political differences or opposing opinions.
Such behaviour must not be normalised in the name of free speech.
There is a dangerous misunderstanding among some sections of society that democracy permits people to say absolutely anything without consequences. That is false.
Rights come with responsibilities. Freedom of speech is protected under the law, but it is not absolute. Every citizen also has the right to peace, security, dignity and protection from harm.
Therefore, when speech becomes a threat to public peace, national security or the safety of another person, the law has every right to intervene.
A person may criticise government policies, question leadership decisions or express dissatisfaction with national issues.
That is healthy for democracy. In fact, constructive criticism often helps leaders improve governance and strengthens accountability.
But criticism must not cross the line into hate speech, incitement, defamation or threats of violence.
Once speech begins to infringe on the rights and safety of others, the speaker must be prepared to face the legal consequences.
This is where the concept of “Sankofa” becomes very important. Sankofa teaches us that it is not wrong to go back and reclaim the valuable lessons of the past.
As a nation, perhaps it is time for us to return to the table and rethink how we are raising our children and shaping public conversation. Political divisions should not blind us to the fact that our cultural values are gradually eroding.
Respect, discipline, patience and responsible speech must once again become central to our upbringing.
Parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional authorities and the media all have a role to play in rebuilding these values.
Young people must understand that being outspoken does not mean being disrespectful.
One can be bold and still be courteous. One can disagree strongly and still maintain dignity. Wisdom in speech is not weakness; it is maturity.
The media and social media influencers also carry a huge responsibility. Platforms that continuously glorify insults, sensationalism and verbal attacks for attention or political gain contribute to the deterioration of public discourse.
Society must stop rewarding reckless behaviour with popularity and applause.
National development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of hatred, insults and threats. Peace is the foundation upon which democracy survives.
If citizens abuse freedom of speech to endanger national stability, then democracy itself becomes threatened.
Freedom of speech is therefore not a licence for irresponsibility.
It is a right that must be exercised with caution, wisdom and consideration for others. Speech may indeed be free, but responsible speech is what sustains peace, unity and national progress.
As Ghanaians, we must preserve the values that define us as a people.
We must teach future generations that respect and civility are not outdated traditions but necessary virtues for a healthy democratic society.
Our words have power, power to heal or destroy, unite or divide, build or break.
The choice is ours.
Written by: Delassie Mabel Awuku, Staff of the Information Services Department, Head PR Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
