Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has expressed concerns over the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) use of hate speech and inflammatory commentary. In an interview on Adom TV's Badwam, he urged President John Mahama to take concrete action against such rhetoric. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the NDC's hate speech is a pressing issue that requires attention. He made these comments on September 29, 2026.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that the government must move beyond "lip service," "optics politics," and "rhetoric politics." He called on President Mahama to be more proactive in addressing the issue. The Minority Leader believes that the President has a responsibility to rein in members of his party who engage in hate speech. This, he argues, is essential for maintaining a healthy and respectful political environment.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the NDC allegedly employs an individual based in the United States to disseminate information and shape political narratives. He claimed that the party pays this individual to promote specific messages and target certain individuals. Afenyo-Markin stated that he has knowledge of the channel used to send money and information to this person.
The Minority Leader noted that political parties often possess information they choose not to make public, particularly when they are in opposition. He hinted that there are certain things that his party knows but cannot publicly disclose. Afenyo-Markin's comments suggest that there may be more to the NDC's alleged activities than what is currently publicly known.
Afenyo-Markin's criticism of the NDC's hate speech and rhetoric politics comes at a time when Ghana is grappling with the issue of hate speech and misinformation. Recently, President Mahama called for a national dialogue on hate speech, which will be led by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The issue of hate speech and misinformation has significant implications for Ghana's democracy. According to the Media Foundation's Executive Director, hate speech and misinformation can undermine the country's democratic institutions. As such, Afenyo-Markin's call for action against hate speech is seen as a crucial step towards promoting a more respectful and constructive political discourse.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP), to which Afenyo-Markin belongs, has been critical of the NDC's approach to politics. The NPP has accused the NDC of using divisive rhetoric and engaging in hate speech. Afenyo-Markin's comments are likely to exacerbate tensions between the two parties, but they also highlight the need for a more constructive and respectful approach to politics in Ghana.
Key points
- Afenyo-Markin criticizes NDC's hate speech and rhetoric politics.
- NDC allegedly employs an individual in the US to shape political narratives.
- Afenyo-Markin calls on President Mahama to take action against hate speech.
