MINORITY DEMANDS END TO CRIMINAL INSULT PROSECUTIONS; URGES PASSAGE OF REPEAL BILL

The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate withdrawal of all prosecutions under Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, arguing that the provisions undermine freedom of expression and democratic governance.

Addressing a press conference in Parliament, Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin outlined the Minority's position in response to developments surrounding the Attorney General and the Tribunal Bill, as well as the broader debate on free speech in Ghana.

He called for the Attorney General to immediately discontinue all pending prosecutions brought under the two sections of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, specifically referencing the case involving Kamal-Al-Hassan.

The Minority Leader also demanded the immediate release of individuals currently serving prison sentences under the same provisions. He cited the case of Kwame Nkrumah II, who was reportedly sentenced to imprisonment over a TikTok video, arguing that no Ghanaian should lose their liberty for expressing an opinion.

Hon. Afenyo-Markin further urged Parliament to expedite the passage of legislation that would permanently repeal Sections 207 and 208, noting that a bill seeking to abolish the provisions is already before the House.

According to him, the government should publicly commit to protecting freedom of expression by assuring Ghanaians that no citizen will face criminal prosecution for speech that is merely critical, embarrassing, or unwelcome to public officials or public figures.

He concluded by calling on Parliament and President John Dramani Mahama to complete Ghana's democratic reforms by abolishing criminal insult laws, describing it as the final step in a process that began with major media freedom reforms in 2001.

The Minority maintained that repealing the provisions would strengthen constitutional freedoms, promote democratic accountability, and reaffirm Ghana's commitment to protecting free expression.