As Ghana approaches the December 7th general elections, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) presents the October 2024 Radio Campaign Language Monitoring Report, which reveals a troubling rise in the use of indecent language during radio broadcasts. The report documents 208 instances of harmful expressions, including insulting comments, unsubstantiated allegations, and inflammatory rhetoric, recorded across 30 monitored radio stations.
The report identifies three pro-NDC radio show hosts – Suhail Abdul Mumin (14) show host of Safiyar Haske on Haske FM; Mugabe Maase (13), the host of Inside Politics on Power FM; Oheneba Boamah Bennie (10), host of the Battle Ground show also on Power FM – as the leading culprits in the use of indecent language.
The other culprits include gospel music artiste Nicholas Omane Acheampong (10), a regular panelist on Wontumi Radio and Oman FM; Yaw Amofa (9), show host of National Agenda and Boiling Point on Oman FM; and Kwabena Bobie Ansah (8), show host of The Citizen Show on Accra FM.
Oman FM recorded the highest number of violations with 59 incidents of indecent expressions. Power FM followed with 23 violations, and Haske FM recorded 16.
Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, have amplified the reach and impact of these violations, accounting for 72% of all live-streamed incidents. The combination of radio and digital platforms has created a mechanism for the unchecked spread of hate speech and divisive language, posing a threat to peace and the credibility of the upcoming elections.
Alarmingly, 84% of these violations went unaddressed by radio moderators, highlighting a lack of accountability in managing discussions. A key reason for this low intervention rate is that the hosts themselves are significant culprits. Specifically, Suhail Abdul Mumin (14), Mugabe Maase (13), Oheneba Boamah Bennie (10), Yaw Amofa (9), and Kwabena Bobie Ansah (8). Together, these individuals are responsible for more than a quarter (25.9%) of the total violations.
The MFWA recommends that regulatory authorities strengthen their frameworks to promote greater media professionalism. It advises station managers and owners to implement explicit guidelines for program hosts and ensure that discussions are conducted respectfully. Additionally, radio stations are encouraged to adhere to professional standards and foster a culture of respectful dialogue. Political leaders are called upon to prioritize issue-based discussions in their engagements.
Here’s the full report.
For media inquiries, contact:
Daniel Kwame Ampofo Adjei
0243767263
