The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Honourable Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has raised alarm over increasing attacks on free speech and abuses connected to law enforcement actions in the country. He said the growing number of arrests linked to public commentary and criticism has created anxiety among journalists, politicians and ordinary citizens.
“The frequency of the arrest is mind boggling and everybody is aware of it. It is not a partisan position that we have taken. It is a concerning human rights abuse that all journalists are even worried. In fact, we are not in isolation when it comes to this, except that we seem to be suffering more.”
Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
In his view, allegations of human rights violations have moved beyond partisan political debate and have become a national issue attracting widespread public attention. He explained that journalists and civil society groups have also expressed unease over the conduct of some security agencies in recent months.
The MP indicated that statements from media practitioners have reinforced claims that freedom of speech is coming under pressure through current law enforcement practices. He argued that the repeated application of certain laws has created fear among people who wish to express opinions on national matters.
Honourable Awuah further stated that the issue was not limited to members of the opposition political tradition. He noted that several public commentators and media figures have openly questioned the manner in which security agencies are applying provisions of the Communications Act and other criminal laws.
The Member of Parliament stressed that the matter has gained national attention because many citizens have witnessed similar incidents over time. From his perspective, the public could no longer dismiss the issue as ordinary political disagreement because discussions surrounding it have spread across various professional groups.
He also suggested that the current developments erode public confidence in democratic institutions if authorities fail to address public concerns. In his estimation, many citizens expect law enforcement bodies to operate fairly and uphold constitutional freedoms without intimidation.
Meanwhile, Honourable Awuah stated that the country’s democratic framework depends heavily on the protection of individual liberties and the fair application of the law. He explained that state institutions carry a responsibility to safeguard citizens from arbitrary actions capable of undermining justice and public trust.
The MP further argued that the Constitution anticipated possible abuse of authority and therefore established an independent judiciary to protect vulnerable citizens. He added that courts are expected to serve as neutral institutions capable of preventing misuse of political and executive power.
He noted that issues surrounding freedom of expression require careful national discussion to ensure lasting solutions. Additionally, he urged stakeholders to separate political rhetoric from the core legal and constitutional questions emerging from recent developments.
NPP Raises Questions Over Court Decisions And Bail Processes
The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Honourable Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah questioned the handling of some court cases connected to public commentary and alleged contempt related matters. He said recent judicial decisions have generated public curiosity because of recurring controversies linked to specific courts.
In his assessment, the repeated emergence of one circuit court in discussions surrounding arrests and prosecutions has become worrying. He explained that many observers are beginning to question whether judicial independence is being fully protected within certain proceedings.
“Circuit Court 9 and that makes it curious. It is worrisome for a particular judge sitting in a particular court to constantly be caught up in this controversy. You begin to ask whether there are marching instructions or whether the judge is acting independently.”
Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
Honourable Awuah stated that the judiciary occupies an important constitutional position between state power and ordinary citizens. He argued that courts are expected to exercise discretion fairly when determining bail applications and reviewing charges brought before them.
The MP further argued that some cases appearing before the courts could have been handled differently under existing legal principles. He explained that allegations involving insults or attacks directed at judges traditionally fall under contempt proceedings within the judiciary itself.
From his perspective, public unease has intensified because some cases appear to involve additional criminal charges instead of contempt procedures. Consequently, he suggested that such developments have contributed to debate about the consistency of legal interpretations in the courts.
Honourable Awuah also pointed to the role of judges during bail hearings involving controversial charges. He explained that courts possess discretionary authority to determine whether accused persons deserve bail after reviewing the circumstances of each matter.
In his view, the conduct of some courts has influenced public criticism surrounding the enforcement of Section 208 and related provisions under the Communications Act.
“There is no way, at any point in time, that we will not have people who abuse power and enforce the law wrongly. Indeed, I dare say that the law is not the problem. The problem lies in the enforcement of the law by security agencies and some of our courts.”
Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
The MP further stated that Ghana’s democratic stability depends on confidence in independent institutions and equal justice. He therefore called for deeper examination of current legal processes to identify weaknesses and restore public confidence in the administration of justice.
Moreover, he urged stakeholders within the justice delivery system to focus on practical reforms capable of protecting constitutional rights while preserving respect for the judiciary and the rule of law.
