Ho Central MP Condemns Threats to Life Under the Guise of Free Speech

According to ghana web:ccording to Ghana Web, Kpotosu expressed his concerns during an interview with journalists in Ho on Monday, August 10, 2026. While he voiced discomfort over the arrests of individuals based on their comments, he acknowledged the police's duty to intervene when speech crosses into threats. "I'm personally not happy with the arrest, but if you attack somebody's person, it's an offence," Kpotosu stated.

Kpotosu argued that while citizens should be free to critique policies and public figures, this right does not extend to threatening lives. He called the justification of threats as free speech an "absurdity" and urged citizens to recognize the boundaries of their rights in a democracy.

The MP advocated for political discourse to center on policies rather than personal attacks against opponents or officials. He also highlighted the influence of politicians on their followers' conduct, urging the political class to model responsible behavior. "We, the political class, are living irresponsibly. That's why our followers also think they can just go on air and say anything," he noted.

Kpotosu appealed to politicians and their supporters to be more responsible in their public comments, especially when criticizing government officials or opponents. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between attacking a policy and the individual responsible for it.

He also advised caution for those campaigning or demonstrating in support of individuals arrested for offensive or threatening statements, reminding them to be mindful of the messages they convey to the public. He suggested that grievances over arrests should be addressed in court rather than assuming they undermine democratic freedoms. "If you think the offences for which they are arresting you are not attainable, you meet them in court, and you fight it out," he remarked.

Kpotosu's comments arrive amid ongoing discussions on the limits of freedom of expression and when arrests for public or social media statements are warranted. He encouraged Ghanaians to exercise their rights responsibly to ensure democracy not only protects free expression but also respects others' rights and safety.

He concluded that focusing on policy debates and national issues, rather than personal attacks and threats, would enhance the country's democratic development.