Pro-NDC Radio Hosts in Accra Criticized for Indecent Language in MFWA June Report.

The June 2024 report from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has identified political show hosts from pro-National Democratic Congress (NDC) radio stations Accra FM and Power FM as the main offenders of indecent language on the airwaves.

The MFWA report highlights that Kwabena Bobie Ansah, host of the Citizen Show on Accra FM, recorded the highest number of indecent language violations with 14 instances. Mugabe Maase, host of Inside Politics on Power FM, followed with six violations.

The MFWA’s monitoring exercise, conducted from June 1 to June 30, 2024, tracked language used by politicians, commentators, and show hosts across nine radio stations. This initiative aims to curb the use of abusive language, hate speech, and other forms of inflammatory rhetoric, promoting a more respectful and fact-based political discourse ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Out of 46 recorded incidents of indecent language, Accra FM and Power FM accounted for 33, representing over 70% of the total. These violations were predominantly offensive and insulting, particularly during discussions on elections, security, corruption, and development projects.

The findings raised concerns about the responsibility of show hosts, who are expected to moderate discussions and maintain decorum. The frequent involvement of hosts like Kwabena Bobie Ansah and Mugabe Maase in using indecent expressions undermines their role and contributes to a toxic media environment.

Historical data from previous MFWA reports in 2012, 2016, and 2020 also show that Mugabe Maase and Listowel Nana Kusi Poku have been consistently cited for indecent language.

The report also noted that all 43 recorded violations were live-streamed on social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, which amplifies their reach and impact. This wide dissemination of indecent language poses a risk to national peace and stability as the general elections approach.

Recommendations from the MFWA report include:

• Adherence to Standards: Radio stations, presenters, and moderators should follow professional standards and avoid indecent language. They should ensure respectful, fact-based discussions.
• Enforcement of Rules: Programme moderators should establish and enforce clear ground rules for expression on their shows.
• Regulatory Improvements: The National Media Commission (NMC), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) should enhance their regulatory and self-regulatory mechanisms to improve media professionalism.
• Political Party Guidance: Political party leaders should instruct their representatives and communicators to focus on issue-based discussions and refrain from using indecent language.