The tone set by political leadership plays a decisive role in shaping Ghana’s free speech environment, a governance analyst has said, amid growing debate over arrests linked to public commentary.
Senyo Amekplenu, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, told Asaase Radio’s TownHall Talk on Friday (22 May) that while citizens must exercise restraint, government actions also influence public perception of tolerance.
“Leadership is key. The way those in authority respond to criticism sets the tone for the entire country,” he said.
Amekplenu argued that some recent arrests over speech risk being perceived as excessive, warning that such actions could fuel claims that Ghana’s democratic space is shrinking.
“The more you arrest, the more reactions you generate. It can have the opposite effect,” he said.
He called for a shift away from what he described as reactive enforcement toward broader education and dialogue.
“We need more education, more sensitisation, and possibly a national conversation on what free speech truly means,” he said.
While condemning abusive and threatening language, he stressed that criticism of government should not be stifled.
“We must allow people to criticise openly — but without causing harm or using inflammatory language,” he said.
Amekplenu also cautioned against partisan double standards, noting that political actors often justify or condemn speech depending on who is in power.
“This cycle repeats itself. What is criticised today was tolerated yesterday, and vice versa,” he said.
He urged both political leaders and citizens to adopt more responsible communication practices, particularly in the digital age.
“Technology has amplified expression, but we must also amplify responsibility and digital literacy,” he said.
His comments come as Ghana faces renewed scrutiny over free speech following multiple arrests tied to alleged offensive or false statements, with civil society groups calling for restraint and clarity in enforcement.
Amekplenu said the long-term solution lies in balancing accountability with tolerance.
“The focus should be on building a system where people can speak freely but responsibly — without fear, and without causing harm,” he said.
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