Annoh-Dompreh cautions against partisan application of law in political speech cases

Frank Annoh-Dompreh, a New Patriotic Party MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, has warned against the biased application of law in cases involving political speech. The Minority Chief Whip made this observation at the Mampong Ohum/Odwira 2026 festival durbar, where there has been ongoing discussion about the prosecution of people accused of making offensive or threatening statements on social media.

In a statement released by the MP and shared with the Ghana News Agency, Annoh-Dompreh emphasized that Ghana’s democratic system should be based on fairness, due process, and tolerance. He cautioned against using state institutions to settle political scores and reminded authorities that "power is transient." According to Annoh-Dompreh, the criminal justice system should not be involved in partisan political conflicts, particularly when similar actions appear to have different consequences based on the political affiliations of those involved.

His remarks follow the arrest and remand of Senior Nursing Officer Salomey Awity Baffoe, who is accused of having links to the TikTok account "Ghana Jollof." The prosecution claims she helped UK-based TikToker Barbara Asantewaa Kodua publish and disseminate false news. Baffoe has denied the allegations. The government maintains that freedom of expression is protected, but it does not extend to making criminal threats against public officials or other unlawful behavior.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, stated that fair criticism of government officials is protected, but direct threats of violence are considered criminal offenses. He clarified that expressing disagreement with a minister's performance is acceptable, but threatening to harm a public official would be considered a criminal act.