Democracy At Risk If Critics Are Punished For Political Speech — Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised what he describes as a rising trend of unlawful arrests and interrogations linked to political expression, warning that such actions pose a threat to free speech and democratic accountability.
Speaking at the Ghana Journalists Association World Press Freedom Day 2026 Honours Night, the Minority Leader said there is increasing concern over the use of state institutions against critics and political opponents, particularly in matters involving public commentary.
He cited what he described as the “weaponisation” of provisions under Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which addresses the publication or transmission of false information, as well as Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which deal with offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace and the publication of false news.
According to him, although these laws were enacted to safeguard public order and protect communication integrity, their application in some instances has extended beyond their original intent.
“These laws, enacted to preserve public order and protect the integrity of communication, are now being applied in ways that extend beyond their original intent, I dare submit. One such case is that of David Isandoh, organiser of the NPP in the Agona West constituency, who reportedly made a statement that, quote, ‘Dumsor is back', end quote, and was picked up by Bureau of National Investigation officials.
“Similarly, Baba Amando was also picked in relation to his public statement on his social media handle. These, among other cases, are a pattern in which political speech, particularly from opposition figures, attracted unlawful arrest, detention, and interrogation," he said.
Afenyo-Markin further warned that such developments risk creating a chilling effect on democratic participation, adding that when arrests become a first response to political expression, it undermines democratic engagement.
“The essence of the ruling I quoted supra is clear: democracy cannot function if opposition fears punishment for expressing political views," he added.
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