Accra: Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, has issued a caution regarding the arrest and prosecution of citizens and political figures over alleged offensive comments. He raised concerns about the equitable application of the law and the potential for partisan misuse. Mr Annoh-Dompreh, who also serves as the Minority Chief Whip, voiced his concerns during the grand durbar of the Mampong Ohum/Odwira 2026 festival.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Government maintains that it supports freedom of speech but insists that deliberate legal violations, including threats against public officials, should face legal scrutiny. Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, articulated this position during the opening ceremony of the Steering Committee meeting of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) in Accra. He highlighted the distinction between protected expression and unlawful conduct.
A statement from Mr Annoh-Dompreh, shared with the Ghana News Agency, emphasized that Ghana's democracy relies on tolerance, fairness, and due process and should not be compromised by partisan applications of the law. He urged authorities to refrain from using state institutions for settling political scores, reminding them of the transient nature of power and the long-term implications of such actions.
His remarks come amid public discussions surrounding the arrest and prosecution of individuals for allegedly offensive, defamatory, or threatening content on social media. This discourse has gained momentum following the arrest and remand of Senior Nursing Officer Madam Salomey Awity Baffoe, linked to the TikTok account 'Ghana Jollof.' The prosecution alleges that Madam Baffoe assisted UK-based TikToker Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, also known as 'Ghana Jollof,' in disseminating false news. Madam Baffoe has pleaded not guilty.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh's statement further argued against drawing the criminal justice system into partisan disputes, alleging differential treatment by law enforcement based on political affiliations. Conversely, Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that the Government does not tolerate the harassment or intimidation of journalists and that fair criticism of the government is protected.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu clarified that while fair criticism is allowed, direct threats against public officials cross into criminal behavior. He explained that statements inciting violence, such as calling for the beheading of a minister, constitute a criminal threat and are unacceptable globally. He highlighted that enforcing laws against speech that threatens public safety should not be misinterpreted as suppressing free expression.
The meeting, organized by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), convened leaders from journalists' associations across Africa to discuss topics related to press freedom, safety, and welfare.