Arrests of critics in Ghana provokes alarm over free speech under Mahama | News
Ghana Sees Spike in Arrests for False News and Offensive Speech
Accra, Ghana — Over the past 16 months, Ghana has recorded 14 arrests related to false news and offensive speech, nearly twice the number of similar arrests that occurred during the previous administration’s eight-year term, according to the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).
This increase has sparked a significant debate in Ghana, considered one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. Critics question whether authorities are merely enforcing longstanding laws adapted to a new digital landscape or if there is a shift toward a more restrictive approach to free speech.
The issue is particularly sensitive given President John Mahama’s past remarks while in opposition. In 2022, he warned that using state power to intimidate dissenters was a “dangerous blueprint” for democracy.
Government: Enforcement, Not Repression
A senior official from the ruling party dismissed claims that the arrests represent a crackdown on free expression. He alleged that opposition parties encourage individuals to insult the President, asserting that when the law intervenes, these individuals cry persecution for political gain.
He cited the arrest of TikToker Prince Ofori, known as “Fante Comedy,” who was detained in August 2022 for allegedly threatening President Mahama. Following his arrest, Ofori appeared at a political rally with opposition figures, illustrating how quickly such incidents can become politicized, according to the official.
Opposition: A Warning for Democracy
Opposition leaders view the surge in arrests as alarming. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has been a vocal critic, stating, “The state-sponsored persecution must stop. Arresting citizens for words that do not constitute genuine threats is not justice. It is intimidation.”
He emphasized that while free speech has boundaries, the current government is increasingly overstepping them, warning that excessive state power could erode Ghana’s democratic achievements.
Where Is the Line?
The debate centers on existing provisions in Ghana’s Criminal Code and Electronic Communications Act, which officials argue are being applied to a rapidly evolving digital environment. Supporters of the government assert that the rise in arrests reflects an increase in anonymous and unregulated online content. Critics, however, argue that it is not the laws that are problematic, but their application.
A legal consultant noted a significant increase in what he termed “misapplications” of Section 208 of the Criminal Code in the last 18 months compared to the previous eight years, calling the situation untenable and suggesting repeal as the only solution.
Veteran journalist Ben Ephson called for clearer guidelines on the limits of free expression, emphasizing the need for the government to explain its actions more thoroughly to help demarcate the boundaries of press freedom and responsible journalism.
A Wider Global Debate
Observers suggest that Ghana’s situation reflects broader global tensions surrounding free speech. Tegha King of the Universal Peace Federation Ghana stated that concerns about diminishing civic space are universal. He argued that the focus should be on strengthening institutions rather than increasing arrests, advocating for independent judicial oversight and greater media self-regulation.
Civic Awareness and External Concern
Analysts highlight a gap in public understanding of constitutional rights. David Adofo from the African Chamber of Content Producers pointed out the need for better education on these rights to ensure individuals understand the consequences of their actions.
Internationally, concerns are being raised as well. Nana Kofi Opoku-Agyemang of the NuGhana Expat Center noted a notable apprehension among expatriate communities regarding the perceived erosion of press and political freedoms, particularly in light of recent arrests of bloggers.
Government Stance
Officials maintain that there is no coordinated effort to suppress dissent. An NDC communicator emphasized the longstanding nature of the laws being enforced, stating, “What has changed is the sheer volume of reckless, anonymous, and sometimes dangerous content on social media. There is no systematic crackdown; it is merely enforcement of existing law.”
Political Irony at the Center
As Ghana continues to be recognized for its democratic values, the rise in speech-related arrests invites scrutiny over the balance between public safety and civil liberties. The situation is further complicated by President Mahama’s history of warning against state repression, with critics asserting that his administration now faces the same accusations it previously condemned.
For Afenyo-Markin, the current moment calls for a call to reflection and restraint. “President Mahama has an opportunity to leave a legacy of tolerance and free speech. I hope he takes it,” he concluded.
