By Emelia B. Addae, GNA
Koforidua, Aug. 14, GNA – Ghanaians and governance professionals have called for consistency in defending democratic principles amid debate over recent arrests of TikTokers.
The arrests, linked to alleged abusive and insulting comments against political leaders, have triggered differing views about freedom of expression, responsible speech, and the functioning of state institutions.
In separate interview with the Ghana News Agency, some citizens said Ghana’s democracy remained strong, while others raised concerns about perceived interference in security and judicial institutions.
Mr Prince Henry, a businessman, questioned whether Ghana’s democratic principles were being defended consistently.
He urged political leaders and their supporters to avoid selective outrage when democratic values were threatened.
“Was democracy under attack then or is it only under attack when the political tables turn?” he asked.
Mr Henry cited several incidents during the administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) which, in his view, raised concerns about democratic governance.
They included threats that forced investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni to leave Ghana in 2019, the 2021 assault on journalist Caleb Kudah by National Security personnel, and the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.
He also cited the death of activist Ibrahim Mohammed, popularly known as Kaaka, at Ejura, which triggered violent protests.
Mr Henry further referred to the imprisonment of the “Montie 3,” a case that generated intense national debate over freedom of expression, contempt of court and judicial authority.
He said the incidents raised fundamental questions about press freedom, judicial independence, and political tolerance.
Mr Henry said democratic principles should apply consistently, regardless of the political affiliation of those involved.
“If an NDC supporter attacks a journalist, condemn it. If an NPP supporter attacks a journalist, condemn it. The same principle must apply to everyone,” he said.
He said political leaders should acknowledge wrongdoing within their own ranks instead of defending allies while condemning opponents.
“Democracy is not just about voting every four years; it is about protecting freedoms and institutions every day. The real test of democracy is not whether we defend our friends. The real test is whether we are prepared to defend the truth when the truth exposes our own side,” he said.
Mr Abdul Wadud, the Chief Executive of RAMAFAT Survey Consult, Koforidua, said he would not necessarily describe the situation as a direct attack on democracy.
He expressed concern about what he described as undue interference in security and judicial institutions.
“I am not saying that democracy is under threat directly, but rather, I am talking about undue interference, especially in the security and judicial institutions,” he said.
Mr Wadud, developments in the country suggested that some state institutions were sometimes prevented from functioning independently.
He said perceived interference in the security services and judiciary could undermine public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting democratic governance.
Mr Wadud acknowledged that Ghana continued to enjoy democratic freedoms, including the right to peaceful protest.
Nevertheless, the interference between state institutions and certain public statements should not be ignored.
“Therefore, if someone says that democracy is under threat, the truth is not far from the truth when we look at these examples,” he said.
A public servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disagreed that Ghana’s democracy was under attack.
The source, however, urged citizens to exercise greater responsibility when using their freedom of expression.
The public servant said the Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech, but that freedom should not be used deliberately to tarnish people’s images.
“There is freedom of speech, but that does not mean our speech should go to the extreme to tarnish people’s image,” the source said.
The source expressed concern about the increasing use of abusive and insulting language against individuals, particularly political leaders.
Such conduct, the source said, could undermine responsible public discourse and good governance.
The divergent views reflect a broader debate over balancing freedom of expression with responsible speech in Ghana’s democratic environment.
While some citizens consider the arrests necessary to discourage abusive and potentially defamatory speech, others fear that excessive use of state power could affect freedom of expression.
Ghana has maintained a multiparty democratic system since returning to constitutional rule in 1992, with regular elections, peaceful transfers of power and constitutional protections for fundamental human rights.
GNA
Editing by D. I. Laary/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Emelia B. Addae
Email: [email protected]