Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has assured Ghanaians that neither the government nor President John Dramani Mahama intends to restrict free speech.
Responding to concerns about recent actions by security agencies, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said those expressing worries fall into two categories: people with genuine fears that the measures could affect constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, and what he described as “NPP propagandists” whose complaints he said lacked sincerity given the party’s own record in power.
“To those who are genuinely concerned that it may affect free [speech], let me clarify that as a government, it is not our position, neither is it that of the President, to clamp down on free speech,” he stated.
According to him, Ghanaians need to draw a clear line between legitimate criticism and criminal threats or incitement.
“You are free to criticise government, even harshly. And on a daily basis, it goes on. People say it freely, and nothing will happen to you,” he said.
He stressed that individuals who break the law are not exercising free speech.
These individuals, he continued, includes people who go on social media platforms such as TikTok and threaten to kill the President, behead him, put him in a sack, or attack his wife.
Such statements, he said, constitute threats against an individual and are criminal offences that security forces will pursue where evidence exists.
“That is not free speech. That is a threat on the life of an individual, even if you forget about the fact that he’s President. If anybody threatens you or threatens me with death, it is an offence,” Kwakye Ofosu said.
He contrasted this with ordinary political criticism, noting that statements such as “the President is incompetent,” “the President is not performing,” or calls for impeachment do not attract arrests.
He pointed out that some of the loudest NPP communicators routinely make such criticisms without facing court action.
The minister also referenced past statements he said amounted to incitement, including remarks attributed to Kennedy Agyapong urging people to “kill Ewes and Gas,” which he described as clearly outside the bounds of free speech.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu’s comments come amid opposition claims that some of its members have been arrested for exercising their right to free expression.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) organised protest under the theme “Democracy Under Attack,” alleging selective justice and pressure on free speech.
But, the government maintains that the cases involve alleged criminal conduct, including threats, rather than the expression of political opinions.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
