President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned against disproportionate arrests over mere criticism or politically charged commentary, warning that such actions could create “undeserving martyrs” and undermine public confidence in state institutions.
President Mahama said while hate speech, threats, incitement and other unlawful conduct must be addressed, legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire and dissent should not be criminalised.
“The President is particularly concerned that disproportionate arrests over mere criticism or politically charged commentary may be counterproductive, create undeserving martyrs and undermine public confidence in state institutions,” the letter stated.
According to him, there is a need for a coherent national roadmap that protects freedom of expression while providing an appropriate and proportionate response to genuinely harmful digital content.
Legal and human-rights experts, representatives of digital platforms, as well as relevant regulatory and security institutions, are also expected to participate.
The engagement is expected to examine the adequacy of Ghana’s existing legal and regulatory framework and clarify the distinction between lawful criticism and unlawful speech.
It will also consider practical guidelines for law-enforcement agencies, public education, digital literacy, ethical standards for online content creators and accessible complaints and redress mechanisms.
