Minority Leader demands repeal of section 208 of Criminal Offences Act, warns against culture of silence
By: Melissa Sackey The Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for the removal of Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, describing its use in prosecuting citizens and journalists for their speech or publications as incompatible with Ghana’s democratic principles. He urged Ghanaians to resist any attempt […]
Ghana's Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for the repeal of Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, arguing that its use in prosecuting citizens and journalists for their speech or publications contravenes Ghana's democratic values. At the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasized that journalists are essential for holding the government accountable and acting as a check on power.
He expressed concern over the increasing misuse of "fear and panic" provisions under Section 208 to prosecute individuals and media practitioners. While the Minority Leader's party does not support irresponsible journalism or reckless statements, they maintain that defamation, libel, and false publications should be dealt with through civil remedies, such as financial compensation, instead of criminal charges.
Mr Afenyo-Markin highlighted the importance of allowing journalists to perform their role as watchdogs of society without fear of intimidation, and stressed that freedom of speech is fundamental to Ghana's democracy.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
