A mind vitiated by prejudice

In contemporary society, the integrity of truth has been profoundly undermined, leading to a phenomenon where even individuals occupying the highest echelons of government feel at liberty to manipulate the concept of truth to align with their strategic objectives.

This situation is troubling. While critics often highlight a perceived moral and ethical decline in traditional African societies, it is essential to recognise the existence of virtuous and principled individuals steadfast in their commitment to ethical conduct.

These citizens depend significantly on the frameworks of rules and regulations that govern society’s interactions to uphold their moral standards.

Alarming

Nevertheless, the pervasive challenges posed by intentional misinformation and disinformation aimed at manipulating public sentiment, the politics of convenience, and a prevailing ethos of individualism at the expense of communal interests are alarming.

In an epoch characterised by an unprecedented overflow of information, the proliferation of misinformation and deception emerge as a formidable menace to the fabric of modern civilisation.

With only a month remaining before the general election, politicians are vigorously campaigning across towns and villages, seeking to win over voters to support them as individuals or their political parties.

Unfortunately, this effort has resulted in a notable rise in the intentional distortion of truth and the strategic dissemination of false information for political gain.

In this perplexing landscape, voters are tasked with the daunting challenge of separating fact from fiction as they determine whom to support.

Challenge

The primary challenge extends beyond disinformation and misinformation; it also includes political leaders inciting their supporters against opposition parties and individuals.

Although party leaders recognise that the competition for political positions should not result in physical confrontations, some of their supporters often take this rivalry to extremes.

As a result, friendships, familial bonds and brotherly ties can be shattered, turning allies into adversaries and disrupting once-close relationships.

This phenomenon occurs with alarming frequency, contributing to the tragic loss of lives as we have tainted the perceptions of the faithful with prejudice.

An optimal political environment should be predicated on the understanding that democracy represents a competition of ideas rather than a contest of physical prowess.

While we may possess diverse viewpoints regarding the resolution of societal challenges, we ultimately share a singular objective: the enhancement of our nation.

This common aspiration should serve as the overarching principle guiding our discourse and actions.

Past

Past elections came with some loss of lives because of conflict. These lives are invaluable, and once lost, they can never be regained.

It is impossible to unite for the development of Ghana if we are willing to impose our beliefs on others to the extent of causing death.

The violence that often accompanies our elections leaves the nation more divided and hampers the unity necessary for Ghana’s advancement.

Reflect on this: if you were to lose a loved one in election-related violence, how could you genuinely forgive and move on once the elections are over?

The moment to change this situation comes in December. As we prepare for yet another general election, it would be truly uplifting to learn that the election throughout Ghana has been conducted peacefully, without any incidents of violence.

While we must stay vigilant in safeguarding our votes and the interests of our candidates and parties, we must also have the capacity to actively pursue victory while also fostering peace.

Post-election activities, particularly those involving jubilations and celebrations, should be approached with a sense of moderation.

The celebration of electoral victories ought not to incite anger, resentment or disdain among others.

We must all participate in the overarching goal of promoting development. By adopting such a perspective, all citizens can more readily engage with the electoral process and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.

The writer is a marketing/communication consultant.
E-mail: benonymullray@gmail.com