New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has expressed concerns about the potential misuse of laws to silence citizens and political actors. He made these remarks during the Mampong Ohum/Odwira 2026 festival, highlighting the importance of tolerance, fairness, and due process in Ghana's democracy. Annoh-Dompreh, also the Minority Chief Whip, emphasized that the country's democratic progress must not be undermined by partisan application of the law.
Annoh-Dompreh's comments come amid a national conversation about the arrest and prosecution of individuals linked to allegedly offensive, defamatory, or threatening content on social media. The issue gained traction following the arrest and remand of Senior Nursing Officer Madam Salomey Awity Baffoe, who allegedly assisted a UK-based TikToker, Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, in publishing and circulating false news. Madam Baffoe has pleaded not guilty to the charge, sparking debate about the limits of free speech and the role of law enforcement.
The Government has stated that it supports freedom of speech while maintaining that deliberate violations of the law, including threats against public officials, must be subject to legal action. Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the Steering Committee meeting of the Federation of African Journalists in Accra. He distinguished between protected expression and unlawful conduct, emphasizing that fair comment on government performance is protected, even when critical.
According to Annoh-Dompreh, the criminal justice system must not be drawn into partisan disputes. He alleged that similar conduct by supporters of opposing political parties appeared to attract different responses from law enforcement agencies. This, he warned, could undermine public trust in the system and create perceptions of bias. Annoh-Dompreh urged those in authority to consider the long-term implications of using state institutions to settle political scores.
Minister Kwakye Ofosu, however, emphasized that the Government has no policy of tolerating the harassment or intimidation of journalists. He explained that while fair comment on government performance is protected, direct threats against public officials go beyond legitimate criticism and constitute criminal conduct. The Minister cited examples of comments that could be considered fair criticism versus those that could be deemed threatening or harassing.
The Steering Committee meeting of the Federation of African Journalists, hosted by the Ghana Journalists Association, brought together leaders of journalists' associations across Africa to discuss press freedom, safety, and welfare. The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, best practices, and strategies for promoting a free and independent press. Minister Kwakye Ofosu's remarks were made in the context of this broader discussion on press freedom and safety.
Annoh-Dompreh's caution against the partisan use of law in speech cases highlights the need for a balanced approach to regulating free speech and maintaining public order. As Ghana continues to navigate these complex issues, stakeholders must engage in nuanced discussions about the limits of free speech, the role of law enforcement, and the importance of protecting the rights of citizens and journalists alike.
Key points
- Annoh-Dompreh warns against using law to settle political scores.
- Government supports freedom of speech but will take action against threats to public officials.
- Debate highlights need for balanced approach to regulating free speech and maintaining public order.
