Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Hon. Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has raised concerns over what he describes as a growing threat to freedom of speech in Ghana, warning that the constitutional right is being undermined through arrests, intimidation, and the abuse of legal processes.
Contributing to a statement on the state of free speech in the country presented by Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin in Parliament on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the Manhyia South legislator argued that the issue should not be viewed merely from a legal perspective but rather from the realities confronting citizens.
“Free speech is under a real and palpable threat,” Hon. Awuah told the House. “The reality on the ground today is the abuse of the powers of arrest and the discretion to grant bail in respect of persons accused of speaking.”
The MP referenced comments made by prominent journalist Samson Lardy Anyenini, who estimated that 17 individuals had been arrested over the past 16 months under the pretext of violating Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act.
“They were arrested, Mr. Speaker, just by speaking,” he stated, stressing that the pattern of arrests points to a disturbing trend that could have a chilling effect on public discourse.
Hon. Awuah further recalled concerns raised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on January 29, 2026, over what it described as escalating attacks and threats against journalists.
According to him, the combination of arrests and increasing threats against media practitioners demonstrates that freedom of expression is facing genuine challenges.
The legislator also questioned the role of the judiciary in handling speech-related offences, particularly the remanding of suspects accused of misdemeanors.
“We can pardon the police because one would say that they do not have the training of lawyers, but what about the courts?” he asked. “People are now being remanded for misdemeanors.”
Hon. Awuah noted that concerns about the treatment of individuals accused of speech-related offences are not confined to the Minority side of Parliament. He pointed out that Majority Leader Haruna Iddrisu and the Minister for the Interior have also publicly expressed concerns about how such cases are being handled.
“We are not alone and we are inviting our brothers to join us,” he told Members of Parliament.
Describing free speech as a vital democratic tool, the Manhyia South MP argued that it enables ordinary citizens to hold political leaders accountable and participate meaningfully in governance.
“Free speech is the ordinary Ghanaian’s tool for holding political power to account,” he said, warning that intimidation and arrests aimed at silencing dissent effectively strip citizens of that right.
He called on Parliament to take a united stance against any actions that undermine constitutional freedoms, cautioning that history could judge the current administration harshly if the trend continues.
“There is a risk that President Mahama goes down in history as the president under whose tenure innocent people were arrested and remanded just by exercising their right to free speech,” Hon. Awuah warned.
He concluded by urging lawmakers to defend the rights of citizens regardless of political affiliation.
“Even if one person is dealt with wrongly and contrary to the law, Mr. Speaker, it is wrong. And we need to correct that as a House,” he said.
Source: Ghana/otecmfghana.com
