Dominic Ayine has defended the government’s position on freedom of expression, insisting that free speech must be exercised responsibly and within the limits of the law.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, the Attorney-General rejected claims by the Minority that the government was attempting to suppress free speech in Ghana.
“I think that the Minority is exaggerating a lot with respect to the question of gagging of free speech,” he said.
According to Dr Ayine, although Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and other fundamental rights, those freedoms are not absolute and may be restricted under certain circumstances, particularly where public order and national security are concerned.
He explained that Chapter Five of the Constitution, especially Article 21, protects freedoms such as free speech and the right to demonstrate, but also allows limitations in specific situations.
“There are limits. You can limit free speech if, for instance, it is something that can undermine public order, public morals, or for law enforcement reasons,” he stated.
Dr Ayine argued that the government could not remain passive when individuals use public platforms to spread messages capable of inciting hatred or violence.
“So if someone, for instance, is inciting hatred in our society, we do not expect that the Minority will say that we should sit down idly as a government and allow that person to go on,” he added.
The Attorney-General referenced the 1994 Rwandan genocide, saying inflammatory media content and dangerous speech contributed significantly to the violence that claimed thousands of lives.
“Those are some of the things that led to wars in countries such as Rwanda,” he said.
“It was the use of the media that incited the genocide that eventually took place in Rwanda.”
Dr Ayine maintained that the current administration remains committed to protecting democratic freedoms and described John Dramani Mahama as a strong advocate for free speech.
“He understands the importance of free speech in a democratic society,” Dr Ayine said, noting the President’s communication background.
The Attorney-General also stressed his personal commitment to democratic values, insisting he would never support efforts to deny citizens the right to express themselves freely.
“As Attorney General, I do understand the importance of free speech in a democratic society, and I would be the last person to want to undermine the rights of citizens to freely express themselves,” he stated.
However, he cautioned against the abuse of freedom of expression in ways that threaten peace, security, and public order.
Dr Ayine declined to comment extensively on a specific matter currently before the courts, saying it would be inappropriate to discuss details while proceedings were ongoing.
“But I should also not be the person who will sit idle when citizens are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to free expression,” he said.
The Attorney-General’s comments come after recent remarks by the National Youth Organiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Salam Mustapha, who warned that the party could resort to drastic measures that may destabilise governance if alleged harassment and intimidation of its members continued.
Speaking to journalists during a courtesy call by NPP officials on the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps on Tuesday, May 19, Mr Mustapha said the party would not remain passive while its members were allegedly being targeted.
The controversy also follows the remand of the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.
He was remanded for two weeks on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, over alleged offensive conduct likely to breach the peace and publication of false statements against a judge.
