Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has defended the government’s stance on free speech, stressing that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it must be exercised responsibly and within the boundaries of the law.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, Dr. Ayine dismissed claims by the Minority that the government was seeking to stifle free speech in Ghana, describing such assertions as an exaggeration.
“I think that the Minority is exaggerating a lot with respect to the question of gagging of free speech,” he said.
He explained that although the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, those rights are not absolute. Citing Chapter Five of the Constitution, particularly Article 21, he noted that limitations exist where public order, public morality, or national security may be at risk.
“There are limits. You can limit free speech if, for instance, it is something that can undermine public order, public morals, or for law enforcement reasons,” he stated.
Dr. Ayine further argued that government cannot remain passive when individuals use public platforms to spread messages that could incite violence or division.
“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 said.
He also referenced historical events, pointing to the 1994 Rwanda genocide, where he said dangerous speech and media propaganda contributed to large-scale violence.
“It was the use of the media that incited the genocide that eventually took place in Rwanda,” he noted.
Reassuring the public, the Attorney-General maintained that the current administration remains committed to protecting democratic freedoms. He described President John Dramani Mahama as a strong advocate of free speech, adding that his background in communication informs his appreciation of open expression in a democracy.
“He understands the importance of free speech in a democratic society,” Dr. Ayine said.
He also emphasized his personal commitment to upholding constitutional rights, insisting he would not support any attempt to suppress citizens’ freedom of expression.
“As Attorney General, I do understand the importance of free speech in a democratic society, and I would be the last person to want to undermine the rights of citizens to freely express themselves,” he said.
However, he cautioned that freedom of expression must not be abused in ways that threaten peace and public order.
Dr. Ayine declined to comment in detail on a matter currently before the courts, explaining that it would be inappropriate while proceedings are ongoing.
“But I should also not be the person who will sit idle when citizens are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to free expression. So, I don’t want to comment specifically on the subject matter because it is pending in court,” he said.
“But I believe that this government would uphold the freedom of every Ghanaian to freely express themselves,” he added.
His comments come in the wake of remarks by the National Youth Organiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Salam Mustapha, who warned that the party could take drastic steps that may destabilise governance if what it describes as ongoing harassment of its members continues.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, 19 May, during a courtesy visit to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Mr. Mustapha said the party would not remain silent while its members are allegedly being targeted.
The development follows the remand of the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, who was remanded for two weeks on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, over alleged offensive conduct likely to breach the peace and publication of false statements against a judge.