Gov’t using Sections 207 and 208 of Act 29 to suppress dissent — Oppong Nkrumah

Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has accused the state of relying on Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) to suppress dissenting voices.

Sections 207 and 208 criminalise offensive conduct likely to breach the peace and the publication of false news likely to cause fear or public alarm.

The provisions have recently featured in several criminal cases involving members and activists of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Oppong Nkrumah made the remarks after appearing in court proceedings involving NPP Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, who was granted bail on Thursday, May 21.

According to the lawmaker, the application of these laws has created tension within the political space.

He further argued that the current enforcement pattern is selective and politically motivated.

“The tension is high because every well-meaning member of the Ghanaian society can see that the government of the day is using sections 207 and 208 to suppress dissenting views,” he stated.

Oppong Nkrumah cited past instances where, in his view, similar comments by then opposition National Democratic Congress figures were not prosecuted under the same legal provisions.

Meanwhile, the National Peace Council has called on both sides of the political divide to exercise calm and restraint.

The council also urged the security agencies and the judiciary to act with professionalism and impartiality, while urging political commentators to avoid inflammatory remarks.