The Minority in Parliament has expressed strong concern over what it calls an attempt by the government to criminalize free speech through a new draft bill targeting online communication.
At a press briefing on Sunday, October 26, former Minister of Information and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said the draft legislation seeks to make it an offence for individuals to post or share messages in online chat groups that may be considered offensive or inciteful.
According to him, the proposal appears to follow President John Dramani Mahama’s recent directive to track the IP addresses of persons accused of spreading hate speech or inciting violence online.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah warned that such measures could pose a serious threat to freedom of expression in Ghana.
“What we are seeing appears to be a draft, and they want to consult on it. From what I have seen, this draft is dangerous,” he said.
He further criticized the move as part of a growing trend of government overreach.
“The President said they are going to use the national security apparatus to go after people who make comments on social media that they consider unfavourable. Now we are seeing a draft bill that could criminalise such comments. This is worrying,” he added.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah noted that many countries have been moving away from laws that punish speech, opting instead for civil remedies and public education to counter misinformation and harmful content.
“This represents a serious encroachment on free expression. The government must tread cautiously,” he advised.
The Minority has called on the government to withdraw the proposal, warning that criminalizing online expression could undermine Ghana’s democratic values and the spirit of open public debate.
