By Nana Asare Baffour
Ghana’s democratic credentials have, over the years, been anchored on tolerance, freedom of expression, and respect for dissenting voices. However, recent developments compel some of us to question whether these cherished principles are gradually being eroded. The increasing arrests of opposition communicators, particularly those affiliated with the New Patriotic Party NPP on allegations such as false publications, raise serious concerns about the direction of governance under President John Dramani Mahama
In every functioning democracy, criticism of government is not a crime it is a necessary instrument for accountability and national development. Political communicators play a vital role in shaping public discourse, and their views whether agreeable or not should ideally be countered with facts, dialogue, and transparency, rather than through arrests that may create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Ghana’s political history is replete with instances where actors across the political divide have made strong and, at times, controversial statements. For example, Sammy Gyamfi has, on several occasions, made publications that, in my opinion, raised serious allegations against figures such as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Yet, during the tenure of Nana Akufo Addo, such matters were largely addressed within the sphere of political engagement rather than criminal prosecution.
Similarly, Atta Kusi, the Sunyani East Constituency Secretary of the NDC, and Eric Agyei, a Deputy Communication Officer, have, in my observation, made remarks on media platforms such as Storm FM and Service FM in Sunyani that many would consider offensive toward political opponents. These incidents, however, did not result in arrests, raising legitimate questions about consistency in the application of the law.
Public commentary by Sam George against former President Nana Akufo Addo, particularly on sensitive national matters like LGBTQ+, also sparked widespread debate. Yet again, the response remained within the domain of political discourse rather than legal action.
These examples form the basis of a broader concern whether the current approach to addressing political speech represents a departure from Ghana’s long-standing democratic culture of tolerance. If statements considered as false publications today are leading to arrests, then fairness demands that similar past conduct regardless of political affiliation should have attracted the same legal consequences.
The principle of equality before the law is fundamental to justice. Selective enforcement, or even the perception of it, undermines public confidence in state institutions and weakens democratic legitimacy. Justice must not only be done it must also be seen to be done.
Moreover, the criminalization of political expression, especially in a highly polarized environment, risks creating a chilling effect on free speech. Political communicators, journalists, and even ordinary citizens may become hesitant to express dissenting views, not because they lack conviction, but because they fear legal repercussions. This is not the hallmark of a thriving democracy.
It is also important to recall that President John Dramani Mahama himself, while in opposition, made strong allegations against the government of Nana Akufo Addo, including claims involving close associates. These statements were part of the robust political discourse that defines Ghanaian democracy and was addressed through debate rather than arrest.
This historical context underscores a critical reality, and political power is transient. Today’s authority may become tomorrow’s opposition. The precedents set today will inevitably shape the conduct of future governments. It is therefore imperative that power is exercised with restraint, fairness, and a deep respect for democratic norms.
In light of the foregoing, I respectfully urge President John Dramani Mahama to reconsider the approach to handling political criticism. Allegations of false publication should, where appropriate, be addressed through civil remedies, public clarification, or institutional rebuttals rather than through arrests that may be perceived as politically motivated.
Ghana’s democracy has come a long way. It must not regress. The strength of our republic lies not in silencing dissent but in our collective ability to engage differing views with maturity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
