By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, May 14, GNA – Attorney Melton Tindol, Chief Administrator of the University of Alabama, has shared key elements of the United States universities’ framework on freedom of expression and protest with Ghanaian stakeholders.
The event, dubbed: “Freedom 250: Freedom of Expression and Academic Excellence,” was organised by the United States Embassy in Ghana, in collaboration with the American Centre.
It brought together government representatives, legal practitioners, civil society organisations, academics, and law students and faculty representatives from three institutions: the University of Professional Studies, Accra; the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA); and Regent University.
They discussed how elements of the US framework could inform Ghana’s existing constitutional provisions on freedom of expression and the right to protest, particularly in managing peaceful demonstrations and safeguarding public order.
Mr Tindol, who delivered the main presentation, explained that the American universities’ model of free speech was grounded in constitutional protections, particularly the First Amendment.
He noted that it primarily limited government and institutional interference in expression rather than regulating private speech.
He added that universities in the United States generally favoured more speech over government-regulated speech, encouraging higher educational institutions to allow broad expression while maintaining lawful boundaries.
Mr Tindol said the US system recognised freedom of speech as a fundamental right rooted in natural and inalienable rights but stressed that the right was not absolute. He outlined key limitations, including prohibitions on incitement to violence, fraud, defamation, and certain categories of obscenity.
Sharing insights into how public universities in the US managed speech and protests, he said they were expected to facilitate open debate without taking positions – a principle described as institutional neutrality, which supported academic freedom.
“Public universities are not expected to suppress debate or act as participants in disputes, but rather to provide a platform for diverse views to be expressed,” he said.
Mr Tindol addressed the role of free speech in democratic systems, emphasising that while it was an essential feature of democracy, it must be balanced with responsibility and respect for the law.
Mr Mutaru Muqthar, the Executive Director, West Africa Centre for Counter Extremism (WACCE), underscored the importance of dialogue on free expression in preventing radicalisation and strengthening democratic institutions.
He noted that informed engagement on rights and responsibilities could contribute to peaceful civic participation.
The programme also featured remarks from officials of the US Embassy, including a welcome address delivered on behalf of the American Centre, emphasising continued collaboration between Ghana and the United States in promoting democratic values.
Participants, during an open discussion, shared perspectives on balancing civil liberties with national security and public safety in Ghana.
The event forms part of broader efforts to promote civic education and strengthen understanding of democratic governance among Ghanaian institutions and the public.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe