A professor of English Language and the first female Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Cape Coast, Professor Francisca Dora Edu-Buandoh has hinted that insults and manipulations characterize the current discourse of Ghana.
The former pro-vice chancellor says her research works and that of others show that Ghanaian discourse, especially political discourses comes with derogatory remarks, unsavoury language and personality attacks.
“…discourses of our time show in-ultimate power disrespect for others, a sense of entitlement, manipulation and outright disinformation and misinformation and control,” she said.
Prof. Edu-Buandoh made this revelation at her Inaugural lecture at the University of Cape Coast on Discourses of Our Time: Power, Norms of Language Use, and Identity Formation.
She pointed out that this act of manipulation and insults is commonly seen in political, religious, institutional, and media discourses.
She questioned, “Right now, the election is coming in December and the discourse of control of minds, of manipulation, of insults and sheer disrespect has already started so what will be our discourse.”
The former pro-vice chancellor highlighted the prevalence of manipulation within religious discourse, particularly through emotional manipulation, cult personalities, and selective teaching of religious texts to control behaviour.
Meanwhile, Prof. Francisca Edu-Buandoh expressed great concern that the media especially is at the forefront of amplifying all the emotional manipulations, insults and derogatory comments and remarks of others.
She, therefore, cautioned against the current discourse of insults and manipulation which she believes has the tendency to ruin the collective national identity of Ghana.
She underscored the need for a shift towards more constructive and respectful dialogues.
Prof. Edu-Buandoh stressed the responsibility of those in positions of power to also use their influence wisely, and promote inclusivity and positive impact within society.
“So, if you have legitimate power do not resort to cohesive power,” she emphasized.
Source: Eric Sekyi/ATLFMNEWS
