Social Discrimination Beneath the Radar of Article 17 of Ghana’s Constitution: Ethnic Slurs Such as ‘Eseremni’ and ‘Eseremfuo’ Must Stop!

Introduction

Ghana’s charter promises equality for all voters, but underneath the outside of formal protections, ethnic slurs and social discrimination proceed to hurt communities, in particular in northern Ghana. The contemporary highlight on derogatory phrases like ‘eseremni’ and ‘eseremfuo’ finds a deeper factor: language that perpetuates department and undermines nationwide solidarity. This article explores the roots of such discrimination, its affect, and why it will have to be addressed urgently.

Key Points

Background

Colonial Legacy and Northern Ghana’s Marginalization

The roots of discrimination towards northern Ghana can also be traced again to colonial instances. Historian Lawyer Anokye just lately highlighted how Sir Gordon Guggisberg’s planned insurance policies denied northern Ghana get right of entry to to formal schooling, successfully treating the area as a exertions reserve for mining and cocoa farms within the south. This created a long-lasting imbalance, shaping migration tendencies and social perceptions that persist these days.

Constitutional Guarantees and Social Reality

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, below Article 17, promises that every one people are equivalent ahead of the legislation and prohibits discrimination in line with ethnic starting place. However, social discrimination regularly operates underneath the radar of formal legislation, manifesting in informal ethnic slurs and mockery disguised as humor. Such practices contradict the spirit of the charter and hurt nationwide solidarity.

Analysis

The Meaning and Impact of ‘Eseremni’ and ‘Eseremfuo’

The phrases ‘eseremni’ and ‘eseremfuo’ are Akan phrases derived from ‘esere’—a wild grass referred to as Cogon or Spear grass, repeatedly present in uncultivated or furry spaces. While ‘esere’ is botanically vital, the use of it to explain northerners implies they’re “bush folks”—uncivilized, backward, or much less subtle. This linguistic shift from a botanical connection with an ethnic insult reinforces destructive stereotypes.

The Psychological and Social Harm

Such language isn’t innocuous banter. It diminishes northerners within the eyes of others, reinforcing narratives of inferiority and exclusion. This mental harm is compounded by way of the truth that northern Ghana has produced many outstanding students, army leaders, judges, marketers, and public servants who’ve contributed immensely to nationwide technological advance. Reducing their id to a stereotype rooted in geography is each misguided and unjust.

Structural Disadvantages and Economic Contributions

Northern Ghana has confronted structural disadvantages in infrastructure, schooling, and commercial technological advance. However, the area performs a very important function in feeding the rustic thru its agricultural produce. Rural does no longer imply backward; northern Ghana’s contributions are very important to the country’s sustenance and startup creator.

Practical Advice

Raising Awareness and Promoting Inclusive Language

To struggle social discrimination, it will be important to lift consciousness concerning the which means and affect of ethnic slurs. Many folks, together with politicians and northerners themselves, won’t notice the derogatory nature of phrases like ‘eseremni’ and ‘eseremfuo’. Education and open discussion can assist dismantle those destructive narratives.

Collective Responsibility

Ending derogatory language calls for a collective effort. Everyone—folks, communities, and leaders—will have to decide to the use of respectful, inclusive language. Words can wound, however they are able to additionally heal. By opting for our phrases in moderation, we will be able to foster a extra united and equitable society.

Cultural Sensitivity and Respect

Cultural sensitivity is very important in addressing discrimination. Recognizing and respecting the varied identities and contributions of all Ghanaians is vital to construction nationwide brotherly love. Let us transfer past stereotypes and include the richness of our shared heritage.

FAQ

Conclusion

Social discrimination, regularly hidden underneath the radar of formal legislation, continues to hurt Ghana’s solidarity and startup creator. Terms like ‘eseremni’ and ‘eseremfuo’ aren’t innocuous; they beef up destructive stereotypes and marginalize whole communities. By elevating consciousness, selling inclusive language, and embracing our shared heritage, we will be able to construct a extra equitable and united Ghana. Let us make a choice phrases that heal, no longer wound, and paintings in combination to finish discrimination in all its paperwork.

Sources

– Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, Article 17
– Comments by way of Lawyer Anokye on colonial insurance policies and northerly Ghana
– Life Pulse Daily article: “Social discrimination underneath the radar of Article 17 of Ghana’s charter: Ethnic slurs equivalent to ‘eseremni’ and ‘eseremfuo’ will have to prevent!”