'Democracy Under Attack' protests: No developed country jails citizens for what they say — Dr Okoe Boye

Former Ledzokuku Member of Parliament, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has criticised the arrest of citizens over their public comments, arguing that such actions undermine democratic freedoms and have no place in a developed nation.

Speaking during the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration held on Thursday, August 6, Dr. Okoe Boye said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to what he described as increasing threats to democracy, selective justice and freedom of expression under the current administration.

The demonstration, organised by the NPP together with other political parties and civil society organisations, sought to urge the government to protect constitutional rights, particularly freedom of expression, which the organisers believe is increasingly under threat.

"The most vulnerable treasure, the most important thing in a democracy, is not the work you do, the food you eat, or the drinks you have. It is the freedom you enjoy, my brother," he said while speaking to the media.

Dr. Okoe Boye argued that citizens should not face imprisonment merely because of opinions they express, even if those views are unpopular or considered reckless.

According to him, suppressing free speech weakens democratic governance and stifles creativity and innovation.

"When you continue on this trend, you suppress freedom of expression. When you suppress expression, you kill innovation... There is no country in the world that has developed that arrests citizens for what they say," he stated.

He, however, clarified that his position should not be interpreted as support for unlawful conduct.

The aspiring NPP Greater Accra Regional Chairman asserted that cases involving threats against public officials should be handled through the appropriate legal processes rather than being used to justify broader restrictions on free expression.