‘We can live with insults, but not incendiary language’ – Kwakye Ofosu

Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated that while the government can tolerate criticism and insults directed at President John Mahama, they will not tolerate incendiary language that could incite violence or breach public order. This stance emerged amid controversy surrounding the arrest and remand of nursing officer Salomey Awiti Baffoe, who is accused of publishing false news through the "Ghana Jollof" TikTok account.

Baffoe pleaded not guilty to charges of abetment of crime under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

During an interview on the Joy FM Super Morning Show, Kwakye Ofosu clarified that sharing or disseminating incendiary content could indeed lead to arrest and remand. He emphasized that the court would ultimately decide Baffoe's guilt or innocence, but reiterated that the government is not concerned with vulgar language or personal attacks, but with language capable of inciting violence or threatening public order.

He dismissed claims that Baffoe's arrest was motivated by criticism or insults directed at the President, stating that no one has been arrested solely for insulting Mahama.

The minister acknowledged that the government is open to criticism and does not fear it, emphasizing that all politicians understand that people will have differing views. He further clarified the distinction between insulting the President and making statements that could threaten public order, asserting that law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to investigate potential threats or incitement.

Kwakye Ofosu also cited evidence linking Baffoe to the "Ghana Jollof" account, asserting that investigators have substantial proof of her involvement in disseminating the account's content.