Ghanaian officials warn against arrests over political speech

Government officials and legal experts in Ghana are warning the administration of President John Dramani Mahama regarding an increase in arrests related to political comments and free speech.

Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor cautioned the government to focus on its mandate rather than allowing controversial arrests to undermine the administration. He noted that such arrests are not always sanctioned by the government itself, stating, “I am upset by some of these arrests; it hurts the government. Sometimes government doesn’t even sanction them; it’s the police.”

Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu further criticized the trend, alleging that the Mahama administration has recorded more arrests related to free speech in its first 18 months than the previous Akufo-Addo government did during its entire eight-year tenure. Kpebu argued that while insulting public officials may be inappropriate, arrests are an ineffective solution for maintaining accountability and warned that the practice could deplete the government's goodwill.