Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has downplayed allegations by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament that the Mahama administration is suppressing freedom of expression.
Dr. Ayine described the claims as highly exaggerated while responding to a petition the opposition submitted to the Diplomatic Corps, urging the international community to help safeguard freedom of expression, judicial independence, due process, and political tolerance in Ghana.
Speaking to journalists after appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday, the Attorney General stressed that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the right is not absolute.
“They are exaggerating a lot with respect to the gagging of free speech. There are limits if you look at Chapter 5 of the Constitution, Article 21 which deals with fundamental human rights and freedoms. You can limit free speech if for instance it undermines public order or public morals,” Dr. Ayine said.
He added that the government would not sit idle if individuals engage in incitement of hatred that threatens national stability.
“If someone is inciting hatred in our society, we do not expect that the Minority will say we should sit down idle as a government and allow that person to go on,” he emphasised.
Dr. Ayine maintained that the Mahama government remains committed to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms while ensuring public order and national stability.