It was once said that “words create worlds.” In Ghana today, that truth feels more urgent than ever. I remember a time when radio and television were places of learning where news anchors spoke with calm authority, and discussions, though passionate, were filled with insight and respect. But that culture of decency is fast fading.
Now, the airwaves are often filled with shouting, insults, and deliberate attempts to tear others down. What used to be platforms for enlightenment have too often become battlegrounds of disrespect. And the tragedy is that many are listening, especially our young people.
When Media Turns Into a Weapon
The Ghanaian media landscape has grown impressively since liberalization in the 1990s. According to the National Communications Authority (as reported by Citi Newsroom in 2025), there are about 763 authorised FM radio stations and hundreds of television and online platforms across the country (citinewsroom.com (https://citinewsroom.com/2025/09/763-radio-stations-authorised-224-not-operating-nca/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). This explosion of voices was supposed to deepen democracy and strengthen accountability.
Yet, in recent years, that same space has become a breeding ground for verbal violence. Prominent personalities some seasoned journalists, others self-proclaimed commentators regularly use their microphones to insult political opponents, mock leaders, or shame private citizens. What started as “fearless journalism” has too often degenerated into theatrical provocation.
Words have consequences. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Insults may seem entertaining in the moment, but they sow seeds of bitterness that divide our communities and corrode our national conscience.
The Ripple Effect on the Young and the Rest of Us
Ghana’s young people many of whom tune in daily to these programs are unconsciously absorbing what they hear. If public insult becomes normal, so too does arrogance, contempt, and a lack of empathy. We risk raising a generation that equates loudness with wisdom, and mockery with strength.
In Galatians 5:22–23, Scripture urges us to embody love, patience, kindness, and self-control the very virtues that seem to be vanishing from our national dialogue. Our youth need role models who can debate fiercely yet respectfully; who can speak truth without tearing others apart.
Who Gave us This Authority?
Sometimes I pause and ask: Who gives us, especially those behind microphones, the right to destroy reputations with reckless words?
Many of the people often targeted public servants, religious leaders, or entrepreneurs have dedicated decades to serving Ghana. Imperfect, yes, but deserving of basic respect. The audacity to insult without evidence or empathy speaks less about the accused and more about the moral crisis of the accuser.
It is time to remember that freedom of speech is not freedom from responsibility. The microphone is not a weapon; it is a trust.
We Can Disagree Without Being Disgraceful
Democracy thrives on disagreement. Our diversity of opinion is one of Ghana’s greatest strengths. But disagreement must remain civil. Political differences should never justify personal attacks.
Ephesians 4:29 offers a golden standard: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” When we replace logic with insults, we do not strengthen our democracy; we weaken it.
True patriotism is not about who can shout the loudest on the radio; it is about who can reason the deepest with love for the nation and truth.
A Call to Responsibility
Media owners must reclaim control over what goes on air. Station managers must enforce editorial discipline and ensure that commentators uphold ethics. The National Media Commission must move beyond statements and actively sanction repeat offenders.
And we, the citizens, must play our part. If we truly want a cleaner media space, we must stop rewarding insult-driven content with our attention. Turn off the programs that thrive on sensationalism.
Choose the ones that educate, inform, and build.
Exposing wrongdoing is noble, but it must be done with integrity and evidence, not anger and humiliation.
A Plea for Renewal
Ghana stands at a moral crossroads. The words we choose today will shape the society our children inherit tomorrow. In Matthew 12:36, Jesus warns that we will give account for every careless word we speak. Let us therefore choose our words wisely. Let our microphones, our pulpits, and our platforms: both traditional and digital, are instruments of peace and progress, not channels of poison.
The Church, as the moral conscience of the nation, must rise to this challenge. Our pulpits, youth fellowships, and media ministries should intentionally teach responsible communication, truthfulness, and respect for human dignity.
To the young people especially those in the media space and active on social media this is your moment to lead by example. Use your influence not to spread insults or gossip, but to promote truth, compassion, and hope. Let your tweets, posts, and podcasts become seeds of light in a culture that too often celebrates outrage.
Our nation deserves better. We, the people of Ghana, deserve a media space that informs rather than inflames, that unites rather than divides, and that reflects the dignity of who we are. Dear patriotic citizens and people of faith, let’s restore dignity in our public discourse before it’s too late.
By: Enoch Opare Ntow
(Immediate Past Connexional Secretary- AMB Ghana)
1 | Before it’s too late: a call to restore decency in Ghana’s public discourse.