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No clampdown on free speech — Govt Spokesperson
THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting free speech but warned that threats of violence, death or harm do not constitute legitimate expression.
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said law enforcement agencies had a responsibility to act against individuals who used social media to incite violence or deepen conflicts through their commentary.
“There is no clampdown on free speech,” he said at the launch of the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra on Wednesday, October 7.
Mr Ofosu said the government recognised the right of citizens to criticise public officials, including the President, but maintained that such freedoms did not extend to criminal conduct.
He said even harsh criticism of the President was acceptable as part of democratic discourse.
However, he drew a distinction between criticism and threats against public officials and their families.
“If you say that you are going to poison the President and his children and his wife, or that you are going to murder the President, there is no jurisdiction in this world that will be tolerated,” he said.
The Minister said the government had observed cases where individuals used social media to make comments capable of worsening conflicts in parts of the country.
He said law enforcement agencies had therefore used available technology to identify and act against such activities.
Mr Ofosu said Ghana could not ignore conduct that had the potential to trigger violence, citing examples from other parts of Africa where inflammatory speech had contributed to serious conflicts.
He urged the public to distinguish efforts to address criminal conduct from attempts to restrict free speech.
“Often people conflate efforts to curb criminality and criminal conduct with a clampdown on free speech,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that security officials could sometimes overstep their mandate by confronting people over comments that were offensive or unpopular but not necessarily criminal.
The Minister said such instances should not be confused with legitimate law enforcement action against threats of violence or harm.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to deepening the frontiers of free speech and said the administration of President John Dramani Mahama would not deliberately restrict media freedoms.
By Abigail Arthur
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Founder and President of Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA) and General Manager of EIB Network, Rev. (Mrs.) Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, Esq., has been honoured with the prestigious Social Impact Award at the Global Entrepreneurs Awards.
The event was held as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Festival at the JW Marriott Hotel, Cairo, Egypt, from November 6-8.
The Global Entrepreneurship Festival, organisers of the Global Entrepreneurs Awards, is described as the biggest entrepreneurship event in the world, bringing together over 10,000 participants, more than 100 exhibitors, over 60 global speakers and representatives from over 70 countries.
The award recognises her outstanding leadership and the transformative impact of decades of community service through her organisations, the League of Extraordinary Women and Women in Sustainability Africa (WiSA), as well as her work with the United Nations and ministry outreach in empowering people, promoting sustainability, and driving community development across Africa.
Speaking on the recognition, Rev. (Mrs.) Sarpong said she was humbled by the honour and dedicated it to the women and communities across Africa whose resilience and commitment to change continue to inspire her work.
She said the award was a reminder that social impact, sustainability and service remain powerful tools for transforming lives and building a better future for the continent.
Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong was recently called to the Bar in Ghana at the 63rd Ceremony organised by the General Legal Council.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah has engaged the Ghana Culture Forum (GCF) on strengthening collaboration to advance Ghana’s cultural and creative industries.
The engagement, led by the Forum’s Vice Chairman, Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, focused on ongoing programmes, outstanding commitments, preparations towards the Forum’s 15th Anniversary and Ghana Culture Week 2027, as well as opportunities for collaboration on the EU Sankofa I Programme.
Mr. Jajah reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with stakeholders and addressing concerns raised, stressing the importance of fulfilling commitments to participants and sponsors in cultural initiatives.
The meeting underscored the need for stronger partnerships to promote Ghana’s cultural identity and unlock opportunities within the creative arts sector.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
