Former Deputy AG urges GJA to resist return to ‘Culture of Silence’

Former Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to spearhead a national campaign for the repeal of Section 208 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), warning that the laws have become tools for suppressing free expression and risk dragging Ghana back into a “culture of silence.”

Addressing the Bono Regional celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Sunyani, the former Deputy Attorney-General said the two provisions, though originally intended to preserve public order, had over the years been “abused beyond imagination” by politicians and state actors.

The programme, which was attended by a cross-section media practioners from the Ahafo Region and the Bono Region, was on the theme: “shaping a future at peace-the role of the youth and the media in building peaceful cities.”

Mr. Tuah-Yeboah argued that while Ghana’s pursuit of peaceful communities was important, it should never come at the expense of freedom of speech and media independence.

“There is the propensity and indeed examples can be cited from other jurisdictions to show that peaceful cities are attained where free speech is largely controlled by legislation,” he cautioned. “This mindset regrettably has found space in Ghana.”

Arbitrary interpretation and misuse of the law

Mr. Tuah-Yeboah singled out Section 208 of Act 29, which criminalises the publication of false statements likely to cause fear or disturb public peace, and Section 76 of Act 775, which criminalises false or misleading electronic communication. According to him, the broad wording of the laws has opened the door to arbitrary interpretation and misuse.

He urged journalists, civil society groups and citizens to resist attempts to weaponise the laws against dissenting voices.

“The media and indeed all of us must put on our militia armour and with our pens and mouths as our sword, wage a relentless holy war against the wanton abuse irrespective of who is involved,” he declared to applause from sections of the audience.

The former deputy attorney-general stressed that the misuse of such laws could itself become a source of insecurity and social tension, undermining the very peace they were meant to protect.

Peace-building
Beyond the legal concerns, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah used the occasion to highlight the growing influence of young people and the media in peacebuilding efforts across Ghana. He praised youth groups for championing tolerance during elections and helping to prevent violence in communities prone to conflict, particularly in parts of northern Ghana.

According to him, Ghana’s media landscape has also played a crucial stabilising role during periods of national tension by promoting fact-checking, peace campaigns and balanced reportage.

“In Ghana, the media has played a significant role in maintaining peace, especially during elections,” he noted, adding that many citizens increasingly turn to the media first when their rights or livelihoods are threatened because of the speed with which journalists amplify public concerns.

Social media
However, he warned that the rise of social media and digital platforms had intensified the spread of misinformation, hate speech and divisive narratives capable of fuelling conflict if left unchecked.

He therefore called for stronger digital literacy among citizens, especially the youth, and urged media practitioners to remain committed to truth, fairness and responsible journalism.

“Young people must continue to rise as ambassadors of peace who choose dialogue over conflict, and unity over division,” he said.

Mr Tuah-Yeboah ended his address with a passionate appeal for collective action in building peaceful and democratic societies, quoting American peace advocate Paul Chappell to encourage both journalists and the youth to become “soldiers of peace” capable of transforming society through dialogue and understanding.

Supportive environment for young reporters

The Bono Regional Chairperson of the Ghana Journalists Association, Regina Benneh-Siaw, called on journalists, political actors and media owners to create a safer and more supportive environment for young reporters, insisting that the media remains central to building peaceful communities and safeguarding democracy.

Speaking at the Bono Regional celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Sunyani, Madam “Without press freedom, there is no democracy. Without the safety of journalists, there is no truth. And without truth, there can be no peace,” she stated.

She praised young people who use social media platforms such as TikTok and community radio stations to challenge hate speech and promote tolerance, describing them as active contributors to peacebuilding efforts in society.

Sensitive issues
Madam Benneh-Siaw also highlighted the role of journalists in managing sensitive issues, particularly chieftaincy disputes, saying fair and ethical reportage could help ease tensions rather than inflame them.

“When journalists report fairly on chieftaincy issues instead of inflaming tensions, they are building peace,” she said, adding that media practitioners who hold leaders accountable “without fear or favour” were helping to create societies where dialogue triumphs over conflict.

She, however, cautioned that neither the youth nor the media could sustain peaceful communities without institutional and political support.

Improved safety
The Bono Regional GJA Chairperson called for improved safety for journalists, better access to information and stronger mentorship structures within media houses to nurture young reporters instead of exploiting them.

She further urged politicians to stop viewing the media as adversaries and rather see journalists as partners in national development.

“We need newsroom leaders who mentor young reporters instead of exploiting them. We need political actors who see the press as partners in development, not enemies of convenience,” she stressed.

Capacity building
Madam Benneh-Siaw explained that the regional World Press Freedom Day celebration was not only meant to commemorate the occasion but also to strengthen the capacity of emerging journalists through training and mentorship.

According to her, a workshop organised as part of the programme sought to equip young reporters and student journalists with the ethical standards, professional skills and courage needed to promote peace-oriented journalism in the Bono Region and beyond.

She urged journalists to recommit themselves to ethical and responsible reporting by prioritising accuracy, verification and professionalism in their work.

“Let us pledge to tell stories that heal, not harm. To verify before we amplify. To protect our sources and protect each other,” she said.

Media training & awards
A refresher training session held as part of the event featured veteran journalists – Leonard Victor Amengor, Charles Koomson, Fiifi Ofosu-Okyere and Emmanuel Adu-Gyamera – who took participants through key areas of journalism requiring greater attention from practitioners.

The facilitators focused on news gathering, interviewing techniques and on-air presentation skills, stressing their importance for professional excellence and success in the GJA awards scheme.

The event also witnessed the official launch of this year’s Regional GJA Awards programme.

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