Political Communication Scholar, Professor Etse Sikanku, has commended Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for bringing civility, dignity, and decency to Ghana’s political landscape.
Speaking during a review of his latest book, “Dr Bawumia and the Modern Vice Presidency”, at the Islamic University College in Accra, Prof. Sikanku emphasized that this quality is one of the Vice President’s most remarkable contributions to the country’s political space.
The discussion also touched on leadership in general, exploring how Dr Bawumia’s approach sets a positive tone for political discourse in Ghana.
“One of the greatest contributions of Dr. Bawumia to Ghana’s political space is the decency and civility he brings. He is not just a political leader. He is a worthy example of respect, courtesy, good manners, decorum, and decency in politics,” he said.
Prof. Sikanku noted that for Ghana to make democratic progress, it was important for leaders to demonstrate decency in political discourse, campaigns, and discussions.
“Political civility is a sine qua non for effective deliberation and democratic maturity. If this country is to experience democratic advancement and remain a beacon of hope for Africa, then it is time to do away with the low-level politics of insults. Intemperate language should give way to civil discourse, prejudice should give way to open-mindedness, slander should give way to respect, and propaganda to data,” he said.
Prof. Sikanku further stated that Dr. Bawumia served as a true example of political decency through his elevation of political communication in Ghana.
“This is the Bawumia example. Rich, quality, intelligent, data-driven, policy-laced discourse setting the tone for public discourse and subject to debate,” he said.
He explained that Ghanaians were getting weary of the negative tone of political discussions and therefore called for a new era of dignity and decorum in politics.
“If we want to protect our democracy, then it’s important to safeguard the language through which the business of politics is conducted. We have to be an inspiration and example to the future generation in terms of the tone, tenor, and nature of language that we use in this democratic journey,” he stated.
Adding, “Bawumia is a man of conviction, guided by his convictions to advocate for issues that will take Ghana to the next frontier, such as digital technology,” Prof. Sikanku noted. “Political civility, including tolerance, is fundamental to our stability.”