The Member of Parliament for Jirapa, Cletus Seidu Dapilah, has urged caution in political speech, insisting that free expression must be backed by facts and responsibility.
His comments come amid renewed debate over the arrest and remand of New Patriotic Party Bono regional chairman Kwame Baffoe, known as Abronye, and a recent statement by the NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on concerns about free speech.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on May 14, Mr Dapilah said Ghana’s democratic system protects free speech, but it does not allow misinformation or insults.
“Free speech is not for you to throw lies. Free speech is not for you to throw falsehood into the public space. Free speech is not for you to insult or denigrate others without proof,” he said.
He cited existing laws, including provisions under the Criminal Offences Act and the Electronic Communications Act, as legal frameworks that regulate public speech.
“We have laws governing this country. That is why in this democracy I can come and sit here and talk freely and go home and sleep without being attacked,” he said.
Mr Dapilah also warned politicians that reckless public statements could have long term consequences within their own parties.
“When you are reckless in speaking as a politician, the day you will want a position in your own party, that is when they will judge you and let you know that this is who you are,” he said.
He stressed that while politicians are free to defend their parties, they must do so with evidence.
“If I sit here to say things against you, I should have sufficient evidence. I cannot just come and say things without proof,” he added.
Mr Dapilah further argued that criticism of the judiciary must be handled with care, warning against statements that could undermine public trust in the courts.
