New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has expressed concerns over the partisan application of the law in the arrest and prosecution of citizens for allegedly offensive or threatening comments. He made these remarks at the grand durbar of the Mampong Ohum/Odwira 2026 festival. Annoh-Dompreh emphasized that Ghana's democratic system must be guided by fairness and due process.
Annoh-Dompreh stated that Ghana's democracy thrives on tolerance, fairness, and due process, and must not be undermined by partisan application of the law. He also cautioned those in authority against using state institutions to settle political scores, reminding them that "power is transient". According to him, the criminal justice system should not be drawn into partisan political disputes.
The Minority Chief Whip's comments come in the wake of the arrest and remand of Senior Nursing Officer Salomey Awity Baffoe over alleged links to the TikTok account "Ghana Jollof". The prosecution alleges that she assisted UK-based TikToker Barbara Asantewaa Kodua in publishing and circulating false news. Ms Baffoe has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The government has maintained that freedom of expression remains protected but does not extend to criminal threats against public officials or other unlawful conduct. Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said fair criticism of government officials is protected, but direct threats of violence constitute a criminal offence.
Kwakye Ofosu cited criticism of a minister's performance as legitimate expression, but said calls for a public official to be killed or harmed would cross the line into criminal conduct. He made these comments at the opening of a Steering Committee meeting of the Federation of African Journalists in Accra.
Annoh-Dompreh's concerns are shared by many who believe that the law should be applied equally to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation. The issue has sparked a renewed public debate over the prosecution of individuals accused of making offensive, defamatory or threatening statements on social media.
The case of Ms Baffoe has raised questions about the limits of free speech and the role of social media in Ghana's democracy. As the debate continues, citizens and leaders alike are calling for a balanced approach that protects both freedom of expression and public safety.
Key points
- Annoh-Dompreh warns against partisan application of law in arrest and prosecution of citizens.
- Government maintains freedom of expression remains protected but does not extend to criminal threats.
- Debate over prosecution of individuals accused of making offensive comments on social media continues.
