Accra: The National Peace Council (NPC) has called on the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to exercise 'surgical precision' in handling speech-related offences online, warning against the use of the law to shield politicians from public criticism.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. David Esinu Normanyo, Volta Regional Executive Secretary of the NPC, made the call on Thursday while addressing senior officers and personnel of the Service in Ho as part of the 2026 Constitution Week celebrations under the theme: 'Upholding Our Constitution in the Digital Age: Our Collective Responsibility.' He emphasized that the digital age has transformed crime and national discourse but must not be used as an excuse to intimidate citizens.
Dr. Normanyo stated, 'True national security cannot exist in a vacuum where citizens are intimidated or terrified to critique, challenge, or speak out against their political leaders.' He stressed that political office, including the presidency, should invite public scrutiny rather than insulate officials from it.
Highlighting the evolution of crime into digital threats like cybercrime, identity theft, digital fraud, misinformation, and hate speech, Dr. Normanyo questioned whether recent arrests over social media comments were meant to protect national security or suppress dissent against politicians. He warned against drifting toward political exceptionalism instead of ensuring equal enforcement of the law.
While advocating for free speech, Dr. Normanyo cautioned that it should not be an unrestricted license to threaten or destabilize society. He referenced Article 41 of the Constitution, emphasizing that rights must be exercised with respect for others and collective security. He noted that explicit death threats against public officials are criminal acts requiring swift state intervention.
Dr. Normanyo urged the Police Service to apply the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) with 'extreme caution and surgical precision,' ensuring that arrests are based on credible evidence rather than political pressure. He also called on officers to model responsible digital citizenship in their personal online conduct, advising them to verify news before sharing it.
Drawing on his experience with the Peace Council, Dr. Normanyo pointed out that social media had become a risk multiplier for communal and chieftaincy disputes, advocating for stronger collaboration between the Police, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), decentralised assemblies, and traditional authorities to prevent digital conflicts from escalating.
ACP Mercy Wilson-Brown, Volta Regional Coordinator of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the GPS, reminded officers to respect individuals' rights and apply the law impartially, regardless of political affiliation, gender, or social status. She highlighted the limits of free expression under the 1992 Constitution and the Public Order Act, noting that threats against life are criminal offenses that must be addressed without fear or favor.
Participants at the forum expressed a renewed commitment to institutional integrity and ensuring Ghana's technological future remains anchored in the rule of law, peace, and national security. Mr. Kenneth Kponor, Volta Regional Director of the NCCE, noted that the event was part of activities marking Constitution Week, which commemorates the 1992 referendum that adopted the Fourth Republican Constitution.