A Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, has dismissed claims that Ghana is sliding into a “culture of silence”, arguing that available data on press freedom does not support the claim.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on Monday, May 18, he linked the debate to recent political remarks and public concern over the remand of New Patriotic Party activist Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye (Abronye DC) following comments deemed critical of a judge.
Dr Asante Otchere said fears of a return to repression were being overstated, pointing to global press freedom rankings which, in his view, show fluctuation rather than steady decline.
He cited figures suggesting Ghana moved from around 30th place in 2021, fell to 60th in 2022, dropped again to 62nd in 2023, improved to 50th in 2024, and rose to 29th in 2025.
“In a period where we are claiming a culture of silence is back, we are ranked 29th out of 180 and fourth in Africa,” he said. “If the opposition is crying wolf about press freedom, it is not supported by data.”
While rejecting the idea of systemic repression, he stressed that any arrest must strictly follow due process.
“If arrests are not following the rule of law, I condemn that,” he said, warning that abuse of procedure could undermine public trust and set a dangerous precedent.
He also urged caution in the conduct of law enforcement, noting that overzealous policing could escalate tensions if not properly checked by leadership.
“There is a thin line between demoralising the police and allowing overenthusiastic officers to overstep,” he added, saying government leaders should ensure discipline within the security services.
Dr Asante Otchere further argued that political discourse should not descend into insults and unproven accusations, insisting that democratic debate must remain within legal and ethical boundaries.
