Serial Callers: Hatchet Men or Political Communicators?

Abstract

This article looks at the extent to which radio stations use offensive language, the reasons why serial callers use such language and how this threat to  Ghana’s peace can be curtailed within the Tamale Metropolis. Using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and content analysis as methods of  investigation, the study found that among the political communicators on radio, serial callers used the most offensive language to defend either the New  Patriotic Party (NPP) or the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The two parties sponsor the activities of these callers who, in return for stipends  from politicians, fearlessly denigrate opponents while trumpeting their parties’ achievements. Unsubstantiated allegations against political opponents emerged as the most frequently used offensive pronouncement by serial callers who admit to the dangers of their conduct for peaceful co-existence but  insist they must do everything possible to ensure victory for their parties. The study concludes that despite the threat posed by serial callers to peaceful  co-existence, employing extra security measures to contain the situation is not an option. Instead, the study recommends that radio stations field  technocrats in place of political party representatives to review newspaper headlines during Morning Show programmes.