NPP Communications team member Johnson Ayine has called for greater political tolerance and institutional reforms to prevent recurring cycles of political retaliation in Ghana.
Speaking on Dreamz FM’s State of Our Nation programme, Mr Ayine said political parties must learn lessons from the past and avoid repeating actions they once condemned while in opposition.
“We should not be encouraging what is going on because we spoke against it,” he said.
Mr Ayine referenced past political controversies, including arrests of political activists and journalists, arguing that Ghana’s democratic growth depends on restraint and respect for civil liberties.
According to him, Ghana has made progress in some areas, particularly in ensuring smoother political transitions in the Upper East Region.
“In the Upper East Region, we have learned that no, we are all one,” he stated. “Why should we go and lock offices and toilets anytime there is a change of government?”
Mr Ayine urged politicians to avoid weaponising state institutions against opponents and instead rely on lawful procedures to resolve disputes.
“When statements like that are made and we are trying to correct systems, we should not just go and pick people and dump them somewhere,” he said.
He stressed that freedom of speech should not be interpreted as a licence for insults but maintained that criticism and dissent remain essential components of democracy.
“I am not saying people should go on radio and insult others,” he clarified. “But we should not just arrest people because of statements.”
Mr Ayine warned that public trust in politicians continues to decline because many citizens now view political disputes as “do me, I do you” politics.
“If we continue this way, people will no longer listen to politicians,” he added.
