{
  "id": 10961840,
  "title": "Silence has entered our homes : Salomey Awiti Bafoh and the chilling effect of free expression in Ghana",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/silence-has-entered-our-homes-salomey-awiti-bafoh-and-the-chilling",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T14:29:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/silence-has-entered-our-homes-salomey-awiti-bafoh-and-the-chilling-effect-of-free-expression-in-ghana/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The chilling effect of free expression in Ghana is exemplified by the case of Salomey Awiti Bafoh. In a private home, she engaged in a conversation with a cousin discussing government issues. Her grandmother, overhearing the discussion, asked her to lower her voice and warned of potential trouble. This intervention, despite the lack of any external threat, demonstrated the power of anticipatory restraint. The State did not need to intervene; fear had already taken hold. This incident highlights how freedom of expression can be diminished without explicit censorship. Lawyers refer to this phenomenon as the chilling effect, where individuals self-regulate their speech based on perceived risks. While the state is legally empowered to investigate speech, it is crucial to consider how such investigations can disproportionately deter citizens from participating in democratic discourse. The case of Salomey Awiti Bafoh raises broader concerns about the balance between lawful investigations and the disproportionate deterrence they may cause. Article 21(1)(a) of Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, but criminal offenses such as section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act continue to be enforced. The African Commission's interpretation of Article 9 of the African Charter calls for the repeal of false-news offences, creating a legal tension in Ghana. The investigation, arrest, detention, and legal expenses associated with speech-related offenses can create a chilling effect, impacting citizens' willingness to engage in democratic debate. The distinction between lawful investigation and disproportionate deterrence is significant in Salomey's case and underscores the need to carefully consider how the enforcement of speech-related offenses can alter the democratic landscape.",
  "summary": "A few days ago, I was at home speaking with one of my cousins. She was unhappy with the government. There was nothing remarkable about the scene: two citizens, in a private home, discussing those who govern them. She was explaining what frustrated her and why she thought some things were going wrong. My grandmother overheard us. She came out, asked my cousin to lower her voice and then said, with…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}