The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed suggestions that the Mahama administration is suppressing free expression.
His reaction follows growing public debate about Ghana’s democratic space, triggered in part by the recent arrest of Salomey Baffoe Awiti, a nurse based in Techiman in the Bono East Region.
Addressing the launch of the 30th GJA Media Awards on Wednesday, October 8, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stressed the need to separate criminal acts from genuine criticism.
He explained that last year, authorities observed some individuals using hate-filled language on social media to inflame tensions in conflict-prone areas.
According to him, security agencies deployed available technology to deal with such persons whose comments risked worsening already volatile situations.
He noted that across Africa, similar reckless utterances have fuelled genocide and violent clashes and it would be irresponsible for law enforcement to look on while social media was abused to incite trouble.
He maintained, however, that free speech must not be confused with criminality, insisting that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama has no intention of stifling free expression.
