Address rising incivility in national discourse

The Moderator of the General Assembly, Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has urged the Parliament of Ghana to confront the growing culture of insults and disrespect in national discourse, calling for a return to responsibility, respect and decorum in public speech.

He said the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), as it approaches its 200‑year anniversary, remains committed to its prophetic mission and will continue to encourage patriotic behaviour while warning against rising individualism that threatens national unity.

His call formed part of the communique issued by the 26th General Assembly of the PCG, which praised government for progress in peacebuilding, economic recovery and international advocacy, while urging stronger action on environmental protection, road safety and responsible public conduct.

The communique was released after the General Assembly ended its meetings at Abetifi‑Kwahu. The Assembly commended the President of the Republic, H. E. John Dramani Mahama, for efforts to maintain national peace and stability.

It highlighted the successful evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, the institution of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, and Ghana’s leadership in securing a historic United Nations resolution recognising the Transatlantic Trafficking of Enslaved Africans as a grave crime against humanity.

It also praised the President and the Asantehene for advancing dialogue and reconciliation in Bawku, urging all parties to embrace peace as the surest path to development and national cohesion. Environmental protection featured prominently, with the Assembly reiterating its long‑standing concerns about illegal mining.

It warned that Ghana is losing ground in the fight against galamsey and called for urgent action to protect forest reserves and major rivers. The church commiserated with families affected by the June 2026 floods and welcomed government’s GH¢350 million commitment to mitigation and long‑term prevention.

Food security concerns were raised, referencing the killing of Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso and calling for investment in irrigation, modern farming and food processing. The Assembly expressed concern over reduced cocoa producer prices but welcomed the COCOBOD Bill of 2026 as a step toward strengthening the cocoa sector.

The Assembly urged government to complete major road dualisation projects and revive the national railway network. It expressed concern over rising road fatalities and called for strict enforcement of traffic regulations, especially regarding minors operating tricycles.

By Jerome Otchere