The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned what it describes as an escalating state-sponsored crackdown on free speech, warning that the increasing use of arrests and interrogations against critics of the government poses a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials.
Speaking on the issue, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed concern over what he termed a growing pattern of politically motivated actions targeting individuals for expressing dissenting opinions. According to him, the trend undermines constitutional freedoms and creates an atmosphere of fear among citizens.
The Minority cited figures indicating that 14 speech-related arrests were recorded within a 16-month period, involving politicians, commentators and activists accused of publishing false information or making controversial public statements.
Among the cases highlighted are the arrests and interrogations of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, and party organiser David Essandoh, both of whom were questioned by state security agencies over comments made in the public domain.
The caucus argues that authorities have increasingly relied on provisions such as Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, which deals with the publication of false news, as well as sections of the Electronic Communications Act, to pursue critics. It contends that these laws are being applied in a manner that effectively reintroduces criminal libel through indirect means despite its abolition in Ghana more than two decades ago.
According to the Minority, disputes arising from allegedly defamatory statements should be handled through civil litigation rather than criminal prosecution or detention. It maintains that the involvement of security agencies in such matters amounts to an abuse of state power and risks eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
The concerns have also been echoed by civil society organisations. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has warned that the increasing number of arrests linked to speech and political commentary could create a chilling effect on free expression and discourage citizens from participating openly in national discourse.
The Minority has called on the government to uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional freedoms and ensure that freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic governance, insisting that criticism of public officials should not be criminalised.
