C/R:Chief Condemns Rising Trend of Youths Insulting Public Figures on Social Media
The Chief of Gomoa Tarkwa in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region, Nana Atta Kwakwa Opusu Agyir VII, has strongly condemned the growing trend of young people using social media platforms to insult senior public officials, traditional rulers, and other respected personalities in society.
Speaking at the Executive Committee Meeting of the Gomoa Assin Traditional Council held at Gomoa Tarkwa, Nana Atta Kwakwa Opusu Agyir VII expressed deep concern over what he described as the increasing abuse of social media by some young Ghanaians.
According to him, social media, which was created to promote communication, education, and development, is increasingly being used by some individuals to spread insults, misinformation, and attacks against leaders and elders.
The chief observed that many young people often hide behind political differences and anonymous social media accounts to disrespect traditional authorities, government officials, and elderly persons who deserve respect in society.
He stressed that such actions are contrary to Ghanaian cultural values and traditions, which place a high premium on respect for elders, leaders, and authority figures.
Nana Atta Kwakwa Opusu Agyir VII warned that hiding behind mobile phones and computer screens to insult public figures does not only undermine social harmony but also erodes the moral values of society.
He further cautioned that such behaviour could have both social and spiritual consequences, especially within traditional communities where respect and discipline remain fundamental principles.
The chief also reminded the youth that offensive and defamatory comments made online can attract legal consequences, emphasizing that certain forms of abusive conduct on social media may constitute offences under Ghana’s criminal laws.
He therefore advised the youth of Gomoa and Ghana as a whole to use social media responsibly by engaging in constructive discussions and expressing their opinions respectfully, even when they disagree with leaders or public officials.
Nana Atta Kwakwa Opusu Agyir VII also called on chiefs and opinion leaders across the Gomoa area to intensify public education on responsible social media use and help instill discipline among the younger generation.
The Omanhene of the Gomoa Assin Traditional Council, Obrifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobia II, also addressed the media after the meeting.
He echoed the concerns raised by the Gomoa Tarkwa chief and called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to work together in guiding young people towards responsible conduct both online and offline.
According to the Paramount Chief, while social media provides an important platform for freedom of expression, users must exercise that freedom responsibly and avoid actions that could bring disrepute to themselves, their families, and their communities.
