Threat against the President can't be described as exercise of free speech — Prof. Beyuo to NPP

Lambussie Member of Parliament, Prof. Titus Beyuo, has argued that threats against the President cannot be justified under the constitutional right to free speech.

The lawmaker stated that national security agencies have a duty to act when such statements are made.

His comments come in response to the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration held on Thursday, August 6, to protest what the party described as the criminalisation of speech and the arrest of individuals for criticising the government.

Speaking on Accra-based JoyNews' AM Show on Friday, Prof. Beyuo stressed that while every Ghanaian has the right to express dissenting views, that right does not extend to statements that threaten the life of the President or undermine national security.

"I support any complaint against people's rights being infringed on. People should have the freedom to express their views. But you cannot sit in your closet and make very disparaging remarks, threatening the very life of the President, and tell me that it is not a matter for national security," he said.

The lawmaker rejected suggestions that recent arrests were based solely on criticisms of the government, arguing that some commentators had ignored the broader context of the statements made by those involved.

"The President is no longer himself. He is a nation. It is the reason why he has been given certain immunities. By that extension, any attack on the President is an attack on the nation.

"You cannot tell me that someone can feel free to insult the President, threaten the very life of the President, and say that national security should do nothing," he stated.

Prof. Beyuo further commended the Ghana Police Service for what he described as its professionalism during Thursday's demonstration.

The lawmaker noted that the security agency demonstrated its commitment to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while maintaining public order.