The merchants of insults are on social media, not traditional media – Samson Lardy Anyenini

Samson Lardy Anyenini, a private legal practitioner, has highlighted social media as the primary medium for spreading insults in Ghana's public discourse. He noted that many online commentators operate without editorial oversight and professional accountability found in traditional media organizations. Speaking during a Joy Prime dialogue, Anyenini emphasized that while insults are not new to Ghanaian politics, social media has changed their dissemination and amplification.

He pointed out that many social media users publish content without editorial control, leading to the abuse of others. Anyenini criticized the lack of supervision for independent bloggers and independent content creators who publish without consequences. He also expressed concern over the responsibility of programme hosts when politicians insult each other on air.

Despite his focus on social media, Anyenini acknowledged the responsibility of traditional media practitioners to prevent political discussions from becoming abusive. He stressed that media practitioners must understand their conduct reflects their personal and professional values, and the constitutional right to freedom of expression should not permit abuse of others.