Lawyer and New Patriotic Party (NPP) legal team member Ishaq Ibrahim has accused President John Dramani Mahama of hypocrisy over his position on freedom of expression. Ibrahim made these comments on The Forum on Asaase Radio on Saturday, September 19. He stated that President Mahama had previously criticized restrictions on free speech while in opposition but is now presiding over a government facing criticism over the arrest of citizens in connection with their online activities.
Ibrahim cited a letter Mahama wrote to then-president Nana Akufo-Addo while in opposition, in which he complained that freedom of expression was under threat. He questioned the change in approach under Mahama's administration. Ibrahim argued that citizens should be allowed to express their views in a democracy, while stressing that his argument did not extend to people who threaten to kill others. He emphasized that democracy is a marketplace of ideas and that executive powers must be exercised alongside constitutional protections for citizens.
The controversy surrounding the detention of Salomey Awiti Baffoe, a 40-year-old nursing officer, has sparked concerns about freedom of expression. Baffoe was arrested and subsequently remanded by the Adenta Circuit Court for allegedly aiding Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, popularly known as "Ghana Jollof," in publishing and circulating false news. Baffoe has pleaded not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime, to wit publication of false news. Police allege that Baffoe helped recruit people to redistribute videos produced by Kodua and that financial transactions between the two were linked to the activities under investigation.
Police also say Kodua is believed to be in the United Kingdom and has been declared wanted. Baffoe was remanded into police custody and is due to reappear before the court on September 30. Ibrahim's comments come amid growing concerns about the government's handling of online activities and the arrest of citizens in connection with their online posts. The NPP legal team member emphasized that constitutional provisions protecting citizens' rights should receive equal consideration alongside those defining the powers of the executive.
Ibrahim referred to previous political controversies involving offensive speech, including attacks directed at the spouse of an NPP presidential candidate. He argued that political actors should tolerate criticism even when it is uncomfortable or offensive. Ibrahim stated that free speech is fundamental in every democracy and that people should be tolerant of different opinions. He criticized the government for lacking tolerance for criticism.
The issue has sparked a wider debate about the balance between free speech and national security. Ibrahim's comments reflect concerns about the government's approach to online activities and the potential impact on democracy. The NPP's criticism of the government's handling of the matter is likely to fuel further controversy. President Mahama's administration has faced criticism for its handling of online activities, with many arguing that it is not doing enough to protect citizens' rights.
The case is set to continue on September 30, with Baffoe due to reappear before the court. The outcome is likely to have significant implications for freedom of expression in Ghana. Ibrahim's comments have highlighted the need for the government to balance national security concerns with the need to protect citizens' rights. The issue is likely to remain a contentious one in the coming weeks.
Key points
- President Mahama's past defense of free speech contradicts his government's actions, according to NPP lawyer Ishaq Ibrahim.
- The NPP has criticized the government's handling of the detention of Salomey Awiti Baffoe, a nursing officer linked to the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account.
- The issue has sparked a wider debate about the balance between free speech and national security in Ghana.
