The former Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has criticized President John Dramani Mahama for what he describes as selective outrage over toxic commentary on social media, particularly from Ghanaian youth on platforms like TikTok.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Mpensenpensenmu with Akwasi Nsiah on Wednesday, September 10, Mercer accused the President of failing to condemn political commentator Kevin Taylor during his time in opposition because he personally benefited from the attacks.
“Did you ever hear him? He endorsed it because he was a beneficiary,” Mercer said.
“Did you ever hear him complaining about the kinds of things Kevin Taylor used to say about people? Never. But today, now that he’s in power, he’s suddenly worried?”
While distancing himself from abusive speech online, Mercer emphasized that he has never supported such behavior, regardless of which political side it benefits.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t endorse some of the things people say online,” he noted.
“It’s gotten to a point where many well-meaning Ghanaians in the private sector don’t want to get involved in politics. They fear the kind of toxic language we’ve allowed to fester.”
According to Mercer, Ghana’s political discourse has become so toxic that it discourages competent professionals from entering public life.
“Some of us joined politics because we believed we could help build this country,” he said.
“But others won’t come—not because they don’t care, but because of the language we tolerate in our politics.”
Meanwhile, in his first official media engagement as President on September 10, 2025, in Accra, President Mahama stated that his administration would prosecute individuals who use digital platforms to incite tribal and ethnic tensions, which he said could fuel conflict and endanger national peace.
Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom
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