Blame The Media For Derogatory Comments

I was dazed when a respected radio presenter gave a detailed report on events that took place during the launching of Asokwa’s NPP MP campaign in Kumasi. it appeared almost all the speakers at the campaign raised issues worth discussing and deliberating toward enhancing the development of this country but one filthy statement raised by Ken Agyapong overshadowed all in most media discussions and presentations. I immediately recalled a statement made by a panel member of a political show, that, our media focus much on derogatory comments in the midst of decorous discussions.

What benefit does the country get from discussing filthy comment and allegation on our media platforms? As usual, several organized groups will issue statements asking the culprit to retract or apologize of which he/she will never do, the political opponents will use such platform to also make filthy-like comments which will include other people like flagbearers to gain political points, the supporters of the culprit will also issue statement to defend the disgraced act, and the victim, on the other hand, will forever be silent as an approach to win public sympathy. In all these, the culprit’s name is widely spread and known and people would even struggle to take a view of his presence when noticed in a gathering, thus achieving popularity through the media as a result of filthy comments. At the end of the day, the country continues to suffer and real issues of national interest are buried forever.

it seems in this country, the best way to gain popularity at the cheapest cost is to voice out derogatory comments. With the support of the media, you name will be on the lips of every Ghanaian. There have been men and women whose names were never known but gain recognition and popularity through their numerous derogatory comments by kind courtesy of the media. A well-known clinical psychologist stated that one of the greatest motivation of man is to gain popularity and the moral or ethical issues concerning his/her road to popularity is of no value to him/her if that road will grant his/her desire of being popular. As long as the media give attention to people who make derogatory comments and through that become popular, people will never refrain from such acts irrespective of the insult they receive. Till the media lose attention on such acts, I bet you, such comments will never be erased from this country.

A whole worth of important issues was raised during the period of Ken Agyapong attack on the EC Boss and most of them were swept under the carpet while ample time was given to panelists to comment on derogatory comments. What a shame! The CPP presidential candidate made relevant input toward nation building during his turn at the IEA debate which needed much attention and scrutiny. The President was on his tour to Ashanti Region to inspect and commission projects which needed to be assessed and many more. There are experts who could have been invited to discuss ways and means of securing opportunities in this current economic crises to support livelihoods and other issues relevant to national development.

There are questions that also need to be asked. Why is the EC Boss quiet over such an allegation? Is it because she sees it as irrelevant to respond or is it a planned strategy between Ken and her to divert public attention from relevant issues? Assuming she refuses to comment because she counts it as irrelevant to respond, why so much media attention if the key person involved does not care about the comment? Are the media not being shamed by the EC Boss for failing to take any action or even comment on such act? Again, what would have happened if all the media houses refuse to grant attention to such comment?

I believe the media are powerful tools to transform this nation and have the power to decrease derogatory comments in this country. Our media need to focus on comments, issues and discussions that will develop this country than discussing derogatory comments than will rather make the “unwise” popular.

Jeffery Amo-Asare