Felix Kwakye Ofosu rejects claims of government restricting free speech

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has strongly dismissed allegations that the administration is undermining freedom of expression in Ghana. Speaking at the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, the Minister emphasized that President John Dramani Mahama remains deeply committed to upholding democratic values and protecting the right of citizens to express their views without fear of state interference. He assured the media fraternity that under no circumstances would the current government seek to curb legitimate free expression.

Addressing recent criticisms following the arrest of a nurse, Salomey Baffoe Awiti, in Techiman, Kwakye Ofosu clarified the necessary distinction between constructive criticism and criminal conduct. He argued that while the government welcomes scrutiny and dissent, law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to act when speech crosses the line into criminality or poses a direct threat to national security and public peace. The Minister maintained that recent law enforcement actions are related to specific legal violations rather than an attempt to silence critics of the state.

Kwakye Ofosu further highlighted the growing danger of hate speech, particularly on social media platforms, which he warned could incite civil unrest if left unchecked. Drawing parallels to historical conflicts and atrocities across the African continent, he noted that inflammatory rhetoric has the potential to ignite violence, especially in conflict-prone areas. He urged the public and the media to recognize that efforts to combat hate speech should be viewed as a measure to preserve public stability rather than a crackdown on constitutional freedoms.

In his concluding remarks, the Minister reiterated that the Mahama administration views the media as a vital partner in national development. He called for a balanced approach to communication that respects the rule of law while exercising the right to free expression. By distinguishing between the exercise of a right and the commission of a crime, Kwakye Ofosu insisted that the government's actions are aimed at ensuring that Ghana’s democratic space remains vibrant but also secure from the destabilizing effects of harmful speech.