{
  "id": 14989595,
  "title": "UG Communication HOD warns insults in student politics could shape future leaders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/ug-communication-hod-warns-insults-in-student-politics-could-shape",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T16:15:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ug-communication-hod-warns-insults-in-student-politics-could-shape-future-leaders/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Professor Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, the Head of the Department of Communication at the University of Ghana, cautioned that the widespread use of insults in student politics might shape the behavior of future political leaders and promote abusive practices in national politics. During a discussion on the topic 'The Politics of Insults: Where Do We Draw the Line?' at Labadi Beach, she argued that witnessing individuals advancing through political ranks through verbal attacks could lead young people to consider such behavior as a legitimate means to success. Prof. Yeboah-Banin, who previously served as vice-president of Akuafo Hall, noted that some of her former student leaders were already affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the New Patriotic Party (NPP), suggesting that abusive conduct was already being tolerated in political circles. She cautioned that when abuse is rewarded, it encourages others to adopt the same behavior, potentially normalizing it across the political landscape. Prof. Yeboah-Banin stressed that the onus to change this pattern lies not only with politicians but also with the public, who she felt have become too tolerant of abusive political discourse. She urged Ghanaians to reconsider the behaviors they encourage, especially on social media and other platforms where abusive content often thrives. Citizens, she argued, hold the power to influence political parties by refusing to engage with or listen to such content, as politicians rely on public support and votes. By collectively rejecting insults, she said, citizens could compel political leaders to alter their approach. Prof. Yeboah-Banin also called for more rigorous scrutiny of ministerial nominees during parliamentary vetting, suggesting that lawmakers should question candidates about their conduct, which could serve as a poor example for young people. She suggested that Parliament's evaluation of nominees should consider the standards expected of public officials, and that public resistance to appointing individuals with a history of abusive behavior could discourage future appointments to those who do not meet those standards. According to her, changing the political culture necessitates a collective effort from citizens, the media, Parliament, and political parties to ensure that insults are not viewed as a pathway to recognition, success, or public office.",
  "summary": "The Head of the Department of Communication at the University of Ghana, Professor Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, has warned that the normalisation of insults in student politics could influence the conduct of future political leaders and reinforce abusive practices in national politics.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "UG Communication HOD urges Ghanaians to reject politicians who thrive on insults",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/ug-communication-hod-urges-ghanaians-to-reject-politicians-who-thrive",
        "published": "2026-10-16T16:17:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}