Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has issued a forceful condemnation of the Ghanaian government, alleging a systematic criminalization of political commentary and satire it claims is being weaponized to suppress opposition and dissent. In a speech delivered at the Empower Vault Summit at the University of Ghana, on Friday, August 14th, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that the government has strategically deployed existing laws to target political speech, arguing it’s now being treated as a criminal offense. He contends that this shift is rooted in the government’s history of benefiting from political insults and confrontational commentary during its time in opposition. Specifically, he cited Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), as well as Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which address offenses against public order and incitement. The speaker argues that these provisions are being deployed to silence political opponents and curtail forms of expression deemed uncomfortable by the government. He detailed how the government has utilized these laws to target political figures and to punish satire, claiming that the government views political commentary as inherently dangerous and seeks to control the flow of information. Mr. Afenyo-Markin further highlighted the increasing restrictions placed on political opponents, citing the granting of bail rights as being subjected to unnecessary and harsh conditions. He asserted that the right to bail is being compromised, leading to suspects suffering despite having been granted bail. He stated that the government is using this practice to ensure that individuals face hardship while their cases remain pending. The speech underscored the importance of protecting democratic freedoms and emphasized that laws and state powers must not be used to punish political actors, particularly students, as a cautionary example for future generations. He cautioned that such laws and state powers can ultimately affect ordinary citizens, including students, and urged young Ghanaians to actively engage with governance, constitutional rights, and the application of the law, arguing that protecting democratic freedoms should not be viewed solely through the lens of partisan politics. The speaker emphasized the need for a robust legal framework that safeguards freedom of expression, emphasizing that the government’s actions contradict the principles of a democratic society.
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Source: MyJoyOnline
