Multiple-award-winning investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has openly criticised President John Dramani Mahama over what he describes as growing attacks on free expression under the current administration.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Manasseh said he felt “ashamed” by the recent arrests and detentions of critics, particularly members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), under laws relating to the publication of false information.
According to Mr Awuni, he had consistently defended Mahama’s reputation for tolerance and respect for free speech during the eight years of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. He said he frequently reminded Ghanaians that freedom of expression was more protected during Mahama’s first term in office.
“I’d lived that freedom under your presidency,” Manasseh wrote. “I believed in your tolerance, your quest to see an atmosphere of free speech, even when you were the target of toxic speech and vitriol.”
However, he argued that recent developments have damaged that image, claiming the current atmosphere resembles “a military regime” where critics are allegedly being targeted.
He referenced the recent arrest of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, as well as other unnamed individuals who were reportedly detained for comments made online, including a social media post concerning power outages.
Mr Awuni accused security agencies of abusing laws against publishing false news to intimidate government critics and settle political scores. He maintained that the law was originally intended for exceptional situations capable of causing nationwide fear and panic, citing a past incident in which false reports of an impending earthquake created public alarm across Ghana.
“The law against publishing false information that causes fear and panic is being abused,” he stated. “It is being used to settle political scores.”
While acknowledging the independence of the police and judiciary, Manasseh insisted that President Mahama could not ‘distance’ himself from the actions of state institutions because the leadership of the security agencies had been appointed by him.
“You appointed the IGP. You appointed the Director of the BNI,” he wrote, arguing that the President had a responsibility to protect constitutional freedoms and preserve the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
The investigative journalist further claimed that many of the arrests fail to result in successful prosecutions because the charges “lack legal legs to stand up in court”.
He urged President Mahama to intervene and restore confidence in his administration’s commitment to media freedom and free expression.
“If this was wrong under Akufo-Addo, it must be wrong under Mahama, especially now that it’s worsening,” Mr Manasseh added.
The comments have since sparked debate on social media, with many Ghanaians weighing in on concerns over freedom of speech, political tolerance and the use of laws governing misinformation in the country.
