Politics. Youth. Social Media

“Man is by nature a political animal” (Aristotle). We all belong to a political party, and we all vote for a political party during elections. Politics is changing and transforming, communities and nations. If we all decide not to participate in political activities or sit at party offices or follow politicians, and demand support from politicians, they will come to our homes and workplaces to beg us to vote for them. People join a political party primarily for ideological reasons, although a feeling of belonging and personal ambitions matter too. However, some often leave because they disagree with the ideological direction their leaders are pursuing. It brings people from religious, geographical, and ethnic backgrounds together. By participating in an election, parties hope to get as many members as possible into their ideas. Most people join political parties because their parentages are affiliated with those parties or based on some policies and developmental projects, or when sons and daughters are given major positions in government. It just means you agree with their philosophy, what they stand for, and their proposed vision. The fact comes down to you to vote for the one you think is the best candidate you trust and are willing to cast your vote to do what is promised, the right thing, and pass legislation that will help you, the community, and the nation.

Some party supporters believe that their political party is the best, their manifesto is the best, and their policies are the best. Everything their party does is right; every person who belongs to their party is good. Every criticism of their party is wrong. Every idea their party proposes is great. Every flagbearer of their party is the best. Every running mate of their party is the best.

Apparently, the people of the Ashanti region vote largely for the NPP because some key personalities from that region were instrumental in the formation of the party. It’s believed that their involvement in this process at the time made the people of Ashanti feel a sense of ownership towards the party. Subsequently, the party has had key members hailing from the Ashanti, and this has strengthened the bond between the NPP and the Ashanti region. This is evidenced in the consistent majority of votes the NPP gets in that region in Ghana’s general election. Likewise, the people of the Volta region also have sons and daughters who hold major positions and are founding members of the NDC. President Jerry John Rawlings, coming from that part of the country occupying the highest office of the land, feels a sense of ownership for the NDC and always votes massively for the party.

For political systems to be representative, all parts of society must be included. When young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from political processes, a significant portion of the population has little or no voice or influence in decisions that affect group members’ lives. A key consequence is the undermining of political systems’ representativeness.

To make a difference in the longer term, young people must be engaged in formal political processes and have a say in formulating today’s and tomorrow’s policies. Inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but is also crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of younger generations. For young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, processes, and decision-making, they must know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in meaningful ways at all levels.

Electoral stakeholders have a role to play in promoting young people’s participation in formal decision-making processes. For this role to be effective, it is necessary to understand the interconnected nature of the obstacles to participation in these processes that young people encounter.

Ghana has a thriving media and social scene, and some young people have discovered that social media is a potent instrument for expressing their thoughts, annoyances, and goals.

Although the internet revolution has made it possible for people to express themselves freely, it has also turned into a forum for insults directed at powerful people. Although social media is an effective instrument for promoting a single political candidate, many young people use it to publish insulting and mocking content about those in positions of authority.

The dynamic relationship between the youth of Ghana and social media reflects a double-edged sword, with both positive and negative consequences. Social media serves as an accessible and democratizing space, enabling the youth to voice their concerns and opinions on governance. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become the virtual town square where young Ghanaians engage in discussions on political, social, and economic issues. This newfound ability to connect, organize, and mobilize has undoubtedly contributed to the nation's democratic discourse. However, this freedom of expression has taken a dark turn as some of the youth use social media to unleash insults on leaders at the helm of affairs.

The usual anonymity and detachment provided by the digital realm often lead to a lack of accountability, fostering an environment where disrespectful language and personal attacks

become commonplace. This trend raises questions about the line between constructive criticism and harmful pomp. It is worth mentioning that one major contributory factor to the rise of insults on social media is the frustration and disappointment among the youth regarding perceived shortcomings in governance. Issues such as unemployment, corruption, and inadequate public services have fueled discontent, pushing some individuals to vent their anger through derogatory comments aimed at political leaders.

The immediacy and visibility of social media exacerbate this phenomenon, amplifying negativity and making it difficult to separate valid criticism from baseless insults. While the right to criticize leadership is crucial for a thriving democracy, how it is done plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse. The challenge lies in striking a balance between holding leaders accountable and maintaining a level of respect in public discourse. Insults not only erode the credibility of the message but also contribute to a toxic online environment that hinders meaningful dialogue.

Writer: Samad Seidu
Contact: +233206653517/+233541036700
E-Mail: samad_seidu@yahoo.com Facebook/seidu.samad

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