Minority Accuses Government of Attempting to Criminalise Free Speech

The Minority in Parliament has raised alarm over what it describes as a creeping attempt by the government to clamp down on free expression through a proposed new legislation targeting online speech.

According to the caucus, a draft bill currently being circulated proposes to make it a criminal offence to post or share comments in online chat groups that may be deemed offensive or inciteful — a move they argue could stifle critical voices and discourage public discourse.

The Minority insists the proposal is linked to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent directive to trace the IP addresses of individuals who propagate hate speech or incite violence on digital platforms, in order to hold them accountable.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, October 26, the Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi and former Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, warned the government against what he believes is an alarming encroachment on democratic freedoms.

“What we’re seeing appears to be a draft, and they want to consult on that draft. From what I have seen, this draft is dangerous. Though not surprising, because the President first announced that they are going to use the national security apparatus to go after people who make comments on social media that they consider, for whatever reason — whether it is under hate speech or whatever they consider unfavourable — they are going to search for your IP address and get the security apparatus to go after you,” he said.

He continued:

“It’s not surprising that his Minister is following up with a draft bill with such wild provisions in there. Over the last few decades, various countries have been moving away from criminalising speech. There are other remedies for speech that may be deemed unfavourable. It’s a very dangerous encroachment on the area of free speech. The government needs to tread cautiously.”

The Minority argues that Ghana’s democratic credentials risk being undermined if legislative measures begin to impose criminal consequences for online expression, urging broader national consultation before any such bill proceeds.