The Media Foundation for West Africa has raised concerns over what it describes as the increasing application of provisions under Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act and Criminal Offences Act in cases involving speech, online publications and public commentary.
In a press release, the organisation said the use of Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), and Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), has become more frequent in recent months.
According to the MFWA, 14 arrests linked to the application of the laws have been recorded since the administration of John Dramani Mahama assumed office on January 7, 2025.
The organisation said this compares with eight arrests recorded during the eight-year administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The statement recalled comments made by President Mahama while in opposition, when he criticised what he described as the “growing criminalisation of speech and journalism in Ghana.”
“It is even more worrying when the power of the state is used as a pliant tool in this intimidating endeavour. This is a dangerous blueprint you are fashioning for our dear nation, and it must not be encouraged,” the MFWA quoted President Mahama as stating in a 2022 open letter to former President Akufo-Addo.
The organisation also referenced the National Democratic Congress’ 2024 manifesto, which pledged to repeal laws considered restrictive to press freedom and freedom of expression.
The MFWA listed several arrests made in 2025 and 2026 involving politicians, bloggers, TikTok content creators, pastors and media personalities accused of offences including publication of false news, offensive conduct and threats made through social media platforms.
Among the cases cited were the arrests of Bono Regional NPP Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC; TikToker Mahama Aminat, also known as Akosua Serwaa Minat; Pastor William Gyimah of Elohim International Ministry; blogger Samuel Amadotor; and several TikTok content creators.
The organisation argued that the wording of the laws allows for broad interpretation and discretionary enforcement.
“The broad and subjective nature of terms such as ‘false news,’ ‘fear,’ ‘alarm,’ and ‘offensive conduct’ creates significant discretion for law enforcement authorities and increases the risk of politically motivated enforcement,” the statement said.
While expressing concern about the enforcement of the laws, the MFWA also cautioned against inflammatory public commentary and abusive political rhetoric.
“We especially caution the media against allowing their platforms to be used as megaphones for content likely to disrupt social cohesion. We also caution content creators and the general public to desist from insulting and offensive comments that can cause social tensions,” the organisation stated.
The MFWA further urged political parties to publicly condemn inflammatory rhetoric by supporters and members, warning that such conduct could undermine democratic stability and national peace.
The organisation reiterated its long-standing call for the repeal of Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act and Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act.
