# Ghanaian debate over freedom of expression > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ghanaian-debate-over-freedom-of-expression > Updated: 2026-09-27T20:35:40.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Debates regarding freedom of speech and online conduct have intensified in Ghana following religious commentary and political friction. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams sparked discussion by warning that “freedom of speech has become freedom of insults,” suggesting that social media attacks can silence honest governance. This coincided with President John Dramani Mahama defending police arrests of individuals accused of insulting public officials online. In response to the rising tension, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin endorsed a proposal for national stakeholder engagement. This initiative, involving groups such as the Media Foundation for West Africa and the Ghana Journalists Association, seeks to address abusive digital communication while protecting the right to dissent. However, political leaders remain divided on the issue. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about a shrinking civic space and urged the youth to defend democratic principles. He further criticized the National Democratic Congress for using inflammatory rhetoric, calling on the President to curb hate speech within his own party. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Ghanaian leaders debate freedom of expression and hate speech Ghanaian leaders are debating freedom of expression and hate speech, with Speaker Bagbin supporting a national dialogue while Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin warns of a shrinking civic space. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghanaian-leaders-debate-freedom-of-expression-and-hate-speech ### 2026-09-27: Ghana debates online insults and freedom of speech Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams’ warnings on social media insults have resurfaced amid debates in Ghana over police crackdowns on online abuse and the evolution of the nation's political discourse. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-debates-online-insults-and-freedom-of-speech --- Cite as: Ghanaian debate over freedom of expression. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ghanaian-debate-over-freedom-of-expression