The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has refuted allegations suggesting that the government is restricting freedom of expression.
These remarks emerge in response to growing apprehensions regarding what numerous observers characterize as threats to Ghana’s democratic institutions, notably the recent detention of nurse Salomey Baffoe Awiti in Techiman.
During his address at the opening ceremony of the 30th GJA Media Awards, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized the need to clearly separate unlawful conduct from legitimate discourse.
“Beginning in the latter part of the previous year, we observed the conduct of certain individuals who employed inflammatory language to incite disturbances in conflict-affected regions. These individuals used social media platforms to spread commentary that risked exacerbating tensions in specific areas of the nation, prompting law enforcement authorities to use available technological resources to suppress it.
“The African continent provides numerous instances demonstrating how such rhetoric has precipitated severe atrocities and instability. It would constitute a dereliction of duty for law enforcement to remain inactive while individuals exploit social media platforms to perpetrate such harmful activities.
“Furthermore, a precise demarcation must be established between the exercise of free speech and criminal behavior. The government of President John Dramani Mahama remains unequivocally committed to safeguarding free speech under all circumstances.”
