Archbishop Dr Charles Agyinasare warned Ghanaians on Sunday against spreading unverified claims and using abusive language on social media, urging them to respect human dignity even when demanding accountability. Speaking at a joint service to close a week-long Breakthrough Conference in Accra, the Perez Chapel International leader said the digital age had amplified the risks of misinformation and verbal attacks.
“You can expose corruption without insulting people’s humanity,” Archbishop Agyinasare told the congregation. His sermon, titled “Watch Your Words: The Power and Responsibility of Our Speech,” addressed how smartphones and digital platforms had transformed everyone into broadcasters, making it easier to share information globally but also easier to spread falsehoods.
The Archbishop said the instant reach of posts and comments carried a heavier responsibility to verify facts before sharing. “We live in the age of the microphone,” he said. He warned that unverified allegations could quickly become accepted truths if not challenged, causing damage to reputations and deepening divisions in public discourse.
Archbishop Agyinasare called on Christians to reflect their faith in their speech and encouraged all social media users to apply four tests before posting: “Is it true? Have I established the facts? Is it gracious? Can I say it without humiliating someone?” These criteria were drawn from biblical lessons in Matthew 13:35, Ephesians 5:4 and Colossians 4:6.
He condemned the growing acceptance of vulgar language and personal attacks in public conversations, arguing that citizens could hold leaders accountable without resorting to insults. “Citizens could demand accountability and expose corruption without attacking the dignity of others,” he said.
The Archbishop urged Ghanaians to use their digital platforms responsibly to promote truth and elevate public discourse. He reminded the audience that every person was created in the image of God and deserved respect, regardless of differing opinions.
The Breakthrough Conference that culminated in Sunday’s service aimed to equip participants with tools for spiritual growth and community impact. Archbishop Agyinasare’s sermon emphasised the ethical dimension of communication in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly through social networks.
His caution came as Ghana, like many countries, contends with the challenges of social media’s influence on politics and society. The ease of publishing content has led to concerns about fake news, cyberbullying and polarisation.
Archbishop Agyinasare’s message stands out for its combination of religious teaching and a call for responsible digital citizenship. He framed speech as a form of power that requires restraint and respect, not just the freedom to say anything.
The digital age, he said, demands a new level of care and verification from users. Social media is no longer a private space but a global microphone capable of shaping reputations and public opinion instantly.
His call for graciousness and truthfulness in discourse challenges the growing trend of vitriol online, asking people to pause before posting and consider the impact of their words. The Archbishop’s emphasis on dignity and respect echoes wider debates about the limits and responsibilities of free speech in digital spaces.
Sunday’s sermon did not specify cases or incidents but spoke broadly about the consequences of careless communication. Archbishop Agyinasare’s intervention arrives as Ghanaian society grapples with balancing openness and civility in an increasingly connected world.
According to Joy Online.
