Afenyo-Markin calls for protection of journalists, warns against suppression of free speech
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for stronger protection for journalists and the preservation of freedom of expression, warning against any actions that undermine media independence.
He said any attempt to intimidate, harass, arrest or silence journalists in the course of their constitutional duties amounts to an attack on Ghana’s Constitution and democratic principles.
Speaking at the Second Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) World Press Freedom Day Honours Night in Accra on Saturday, Afenyo-Markin stressed that a free and responsible media remains central to accountability, peace and democratic governance. He, however, urged journalists to uphold accuracy, truth and professionalism in their work.
Delivering a speech on “Media as an Instrument of Peace,” he referenced the 1994 Rwanda genocide, noting the dangers of irresponsible media use and hate communication.
“The lesson from Rwanda is seared into the conscience of humanity. When the media becomes a weapon of division rather than a bridge of understanding, nations bear the consequences,” he said, adding that responsible journalism is essential to national stability.
He urged journalists, editors and broadcasters to prioritise facts and context over sensationalism, stressing that credibility is more important than speed.
“It is not enough to be first, one must be right. It is not enough to attract attention, one must earn trust,” he added.
The Minority Leader also raised concerns about what he described as increasing threats to press freedom and freedom of expression, alleging that there had been 14 arrests linked to speech and political commentary within 16 months of the current administration.
He cited provisions of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), arguing that some laws intended to regulate communication and public order were being applied in ways that could suppress dissent.
He mentioned cases involving individuals such as David Essandoh, an organiser of the New Patriotic Party in Agona West, and Baba Amando, a communications officer of the party, who he said were arrested over public statements.
According to him, such developments risk creating a climate where political expression attracts arrests and intimidation.
“When unlawful arrests and detention are seen as a first resort in response to political expression, it creates a chilling effect on democratic participation,” he stated.
He warned that democracy cannot thrive if citizens, especially political opponents, fear punishment for expressing their views, and argued that criminal prosecution should not be the default response to speech-related matters.
Afenyo-Markin further said some provisions on false news and offensive conduct are outdated colonial-era laws that should not define enforcement in a modern constitutional democracy.
While reaffirming support for due legal process, he criticised what he called the selective application of criminal law against political opponents, describing it as a misuse of state power.
“That is not law enforcement. That is the weaponisation of the criminal law against free expression, and it must be named, resisted and reversed,” he said.
He called on the Attorney-General to exercise constitutional responsibilities fairly, urged the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure independent review of speech-related cases, and appealed to the Judiciary to remain steadfast in protecting constitutional freedoms.
In a related address, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, called for stronger cooperation between government, media institutions and journalists to tackle misinformation and disinformation while safeguarding press freedom.
He noted that the rise of digital platforms has expanded access to information but also increased the spread of false or misleading content.
“Not everything published or broadcast in Ghana today is journalism,” he said, warning that some content is designed to mislead, create panic and deepen division.