Written by Alex Boy
An advocacy group known as Good Era Authorities Hub (SGGH) has sadly revealed that freedom of speech in Ghana is at the moment beneath risk beneath the in a position management of President John Dramani Mahama.
Good Genz, by means of a press release signed by its Director-Basic, DK Odei Appiah, mentioned the present authorities has thrown within the trash the liberty of speech it has lengthy loved within the nation simply to guard its personal wrongdoings.
Nevertheless, the group blamed the assertion on the persistent assaults and arrests of varied Ghanaians who’ve spoken out towards wrongdoings by the present authorities in latest months.
By way of a press release, Mr. Odei Appiah known as on the federal government, notably the Legal professional Basic’s Workplace and all related state establishments to take quick steps to safeguard constitutional freedoms, uphold the rule of legislation and safeguard Ghana’s democratic credentials.
“Ghana’s democracy should stay dedicated to justice, equity, accountability, tolerance and respect for elementary human rights,” the ordinance said.
Under is the assertion issued by SGGH yesterday.
2026/05/17
press launch
Criminalization of free speech and weaponization of the bail system in Ghana
Is Ghana dropping its democratic credentials?
We’ve intently monitored latest developments beneath the federal government of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama with deep concern, notably the growing pattern in arrests and prosecutions involving appointees and associates of the earlier administration. These developments elevate critical considerations concerning the state of democratic governance, constitutional freedoms, and dedication to the rule of legislation in Ghana.
Since taking workplace on January 7, 2025, the Mahama administration has pursued a number of financial and social coverage initiatives. Whereas we’re absolutely conscious of the constitutional obligation of all elected governments to control, we’re alarmed by what we see as an rising sample that threatens the democratic foundations of our republic. Chief amongst these considerations are:
1. Criminalization of freedom of speech opposite to Article 21 of the 1992 Structure of Ghana. and
2. Weaponizing the bail system towards perceived political opponents.
Freedom of speech is a elementary pillar of any democratic society. This proper have to be exercised responsibly, however ought to by no means be suppressed by means of arbitrary arrest or intimidation. Equally, bail is meant to function a brief authorized measure to make sure the defendant’s look in court docket, and never as a punitive measure.
Sadly, latest occasions point out an alarming pattern of people being arrested for feedback, opinions, and public statements that pose little or no risk to nationwide safety. Such actions create a harmful notion that dissent and political criticism are more and more being criminalized beneath the present authorities.
Equally alarming are reviews of overly harsh and unreasonable bail situations imposed on some people by investigative and prosecutorial businesses. Such actions threat turning the bail course of right into a political software used to intimidate, frustrate and silence perceived opponents.
As defenders of democracy, constitutional governance, and the rule of legislation, we strongly oppose these strikes. Ghana’s democracy was constructed on the rules of justice, equity, equality earlier than the legislation and respect for elementary human rights. These values mustn’t ever be sacrificed for political expediency or partisan acquire.
The implications of those developments are far-reaching and harmful. Selective utility of arrests, investigations, and bail situations undermines public confidence within the independence and credibility of state establishments, notably the judiciary and legislation enforcement businesses. When justice seems to be politically influenced, the rule of legislation itself is undermined.
Furthermore, the rising worry of public expression has a chilling impact on free speech. Journalists, activists, political opponents, and strange residents could start to self-censor for worry of harassment or prosecution. Such an environment weakens democratic accountability, reduces citizen participation, and reduces the democratic area wanted for nationwide growth.
Abuse of bail situations additionally undermines the constitutional precept of the presumption of innocence. Extreme or unrealistic bail necessities successfully punish people earlier than they’re confirmed responsible by a court docket of competent jurisdiction.
If left unchecked, these developments might deepen political polarization, heighten public tensions, and foster authoritarian tendencies inconsistent with Ghana’s democratic traditions and worldwide popularity.
It have to be emphasised that the mixed impact of the criminalization of free speech and the weaponization of the bail system is the intimidation and suppression of political opposition and dissent. Such actions undermine the very rules on which democratic governance relies.
We subsequently name on the Authorities of Ghana, notably the Workplace of the Legal professional Basic and all related state establishments, to take quick steps to safeguard constitutional freedoms, uphold the rule of legislation and safeguard Ghana’s democratic credentials.
Ghana’s democracy should proceed to be primarily based on justice, equity, accountability, tolerance and respect for elementary human rights.
thanks.
Signed:
REV. DK Odei Appiah
Managing director
0243265000
