Minority exaggerating claims of suppressed free speech - Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine

Dominic Ayine, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, defended the government's position on free speech, insisting that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. Dr. Ayine rejected claims by the Minority that the government was attempting to suppress free speech in the country, saying "I think that the Minority is exaggerating a lot with respect to the question of gagging of free speech." He explained that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, there are legal limitations, particularly where public order and national security are concerned.

Dr. Ayine argued that the government could not remain passive when individuals use public platforms to spread messages capable of inciting division or violence. He stated, "So if someone, for instance, is inciting hatred in our society, we do not expect that the Minority will say that we should sit down idly as a government and allow that person to go on." He drew comparisons with the 1994 Rwanda genocide, arguing that dangerous speech and media propaganda played a major role in the violence. He described President John Dramani Mahama as "one of the staunchest supporters of free speech."

Dr. Ayine declined to comment extensively on a specific matter currently before the courts, stating that it would be inappropriate to do so while proceedings were ongoing. The comments follow recent remarks by the National Youth Organiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, who warned that the party could adopt drastic measures that may destabilise governance if what he described as ongoing harassment and intimidation of its members did not stop. Mr. Mustapha spoke to journalists on Tuesday, 19 May, during a courtesy visit by NPP officials to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.