Samson Anyenini
Lawyer and broadcaster Samson Lardy Anyenini has strongly criticised what he describes as the growing use of criminal laws to punish speech-related offences in Ghana, warning that the trend could threaten free expression.
Speaking on the “My Take” segment on Newsfile on JoyNews, Anyenini questioned recent police actions involving individuals over comments made on social media platforms.
He cited a case in which police reportedly invited an individual for questioning over a WhatsApp status that allegedly described a public official as “a disgrace and not fit to be MCE.”
According to him, such comments, even if considered offensive, should be treated as civil matters rather than criminal offences.
“To lock a man up for three years or five years over a WhatsApp status,” he said, expressing concern over what he sees as an abuse of legal provisions.
Anyenini questioned why authorities continue to rely on criminal laws linked to speech while government is reportedly seeking reforms to repeal Section 208.
He argued that using criminal sanctions in such cases undermines democratic values and suppresses dissenting opinions.
Directing his comments at President John Dramani Mahama, he said the President’s silence on the issue was troubling.
“Your silence on the recent surge in these arrests is deafening,” he stated, adding that it could encourage abuse of power.
He also accused the police of criminalising matters that may not meet the threshold for criminal prosecution.
“The police foist a crime even where a civil tort of defamation would struggle to find a foothold,” he said.
Anyenini called for urgent legal reforms to align Ghana’s laws with modern democratic standards and protect freedom of speech.
He warned that continued reliance on such laws could create fear among citizens and discourage open public discourse.
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