An elder of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, Mr George Ayisi Boateng has lauded President Mills’ call for an insult-free politics but says the president should put his house in order first. According to Mr. Ayisi Boateng, even though he agrees with the President’s appeal for peace to reign in political discourse, he is of the opinion that President Mills should start dealing with the problems in the National Democratic Congress. Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Mr. Ayisi Boateng congratulated President Mills for taking the bold step to address the alarming issue because as a leader, he could not have sat unconcerned as things disintegrated around him. He said he was also very worried about the alarming rate at which insults have crept into politics in the country, warning that if Ghanaians don’t heed the president’s call, the situation could degenerate. Mr. Ayisi Boateng said the culture of insults started after President Kufuor won the 2000 Elections with serial callers phoning in and raining insults on a sitting president with impunity. Those involved, he said included Dr Asemfoforo. He said what even worsened the matter was the involvement of NDC stalwarts like Dr. Tony Aidoo and Central Regional Minister, Ama Benyiwa Doe who instead of exercising good judgment, also constantly vilified President Kufuor. According to Ayisi Boateng, this elicited the retaliation of New Patriotic Party members and has since degenerated. He said the matter has come to a point where people throw insults at others irrespective of one’s age or status, adding that it is a very scary development which does not augur well for the country’s progress. He also accused the media of being a major factor for the increasing rate of the culture of insults, stressing that instead of hosts of radio shows walking out politicians and commentators who verbally abuse others or at least taking them off phone lines, they allow them to say all sorts of things on-air just to get mileage. He said radio is a very powerful tool that should be used for the good of society and so should not be used irresponsibly and be the basis for conflict. Story by Linda Safoaa/Adomonline