The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has dismissed claims by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the Mahama administration is restricting free speech.
He described the allegations as exaggerated and not supported by the facts.
The NPP had earlier petitioned the Diplomatic Corps, calling for attention to what it described as threats to freedom of expression, judicial independence, due process, and political tolerance in Ghana.
Speaking to journalists after appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Dr. Ayine said the government remains committed to protecting fundamental rights.
However, he stressed that freedom of expression is not absolute under Ghana’s Constitution.
He referenced Article 21 of the Constitution, explaining that certain limits exist to protect public order and public morality.
“They are exaggerating a lot with respect to the gagging of free speech,” he said.
“There are limits under Chapter 5 of the Constitution. You can limit free speech if it undermines public order or public morals.”
He added that authorities cannot ignore incitement or hate speech in the name of free expression.
“If someone is inciting hatred in our society, we do not expect the Minority to say we should sit idle as a government and allow that person to go on,” he said.
Dr. Ayine reaffirmed that the government will continue to balance civil liberties with national security and public order.
