Archbishop Agyinasare calls for responsible speech amid growing social media abuse

Archbishop Dr Charles Agyinasare, the Founder and Leader of Perez Chapel International, has warned Ghanaians to refrain from normalizing misinformation and harmful content on social media. He strongly condemned the increasing acceptance of abusive language and vulgarity in public discourse, emphasizing that one could expose corruption without insulting people's humanity.

This caution came during a sermon at a week-long Breakthrough Conference in Accra, where the theme was "Watch Your Words: The Power and Responsibility of Our Speech."

Agyinasare highlighted how smartphones and digital platforms have democratized broadcasting, making information more accessible but also increasing the risk of spreading falsehoods and damaging reputations. He stressed the importance of verifying facts before sharing content online, noting that unverified claims could quickly become accepted as truth if not challenged.

The Archbishop urged citizens to apply a four-step test before posting: "Is it true? Have I established the facts? Is it gracious? Can I say it without humiliating someone?" He drew inspiration from biblical passages including Matthew 13:35, Ephesians 5:4, and Colossians 4:6, reminding believers that every individual was created in the image of God and deserved dignity, regardless of differing opinions.

Archbishop Agyinasare called on Ghanaians to use their digital influence responsibly, promoting truth, improving public discourse, and fostering a more respectful society.