Lawyer Bobby Banson has criticised how some Ghanaians use free speech to attack public figures online, causing damage to their reputations. He said this misuse of freedom of expression is becoming more common and harmful, with people making false claims without facing consequences.
“Between 2000 and 2026, people are becoming more intentional about saying things that they know are false that affect the social fibre… so people do these things for whatever they want, knowing that there is no criminal punishment,” Banson said on JoyNewsfile on Saturday, September 25. He added, “So you cannot say freedom of speech allows you to denigrate people who hold public offices.”
Banson disclosed that he had personally experienced such attacks. His comments come amid a national debate on how authorities should handle harmful online content.
The debate has intensified after the detention of nurse Salomey Awiti Bafoh, accused of helping a UK-based TikToker spread false information. An Accra High Court denied her bail on September 25. The case is ongoing.
President John Dramani Mahama has urged caution in handling cases involving speech. In a letter to the Media Foundation for West Africa and the Ghana Journalists Association, he warned that legitimate criticism, political commentary, satire, and dissent should not be criminalised. He called on all stakeholders to consider alternatives to arrest and prosecution when online content does not involve threats, incitement, violence, or other clear criminal acts.
At a meeting with Ghanaians in New York on Friday, the President said police action could sometimes go too far. He renewed his call for a national discussion on TikTok and other social media platforms.
The tension between protecting free speech and preventing harmful content online reflects a growing challenge for Ghana. Lawyers like Banson say unchecked false claims can erode trust and harm social cohesion. Meanwhile, the President’s call for restraint and dialogue highlights the need to balance rights with responsibility.
As the debate continues, the courts and authorities face pressure to set clear boundaries for online speech without suppressing legitimate expression. Cases like Awiti Bafoh’s will likely shape how Ghana deals with misinformation and reputation damage in the digital age.
According to Joy Online.
