The Deputy National Communications Director of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kamal-Deen Abdulai, has urged Parliament to review Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), along with provisions in the Electronic Transactions Act, describing them as vague and prone to misuse.
Appearing on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily programme on Tuesday, May 19, Kamal-Deen argued that the lack of clarity in these laws has allowed prosecutors to target individuals over comments made in public spaces. He stressed that if Ghana is committed to safeguarding free speech, Parliament must revisit the legislation and clearly define its scope to prevent abuse.
“I’ve always maintained that this provision in the Electronic Act that comes after people is actually not clear. And the provision in our Criminal Offences Act that also comes after people for false publication—these are laws Parliament of Ghana must look at again if indeed we want to ensure that free speech is held in high esteem,” he stated.
He further contended that the laws are routinely invoked to justify misdemeanour charges against individuals, resulting in their prosecution in court. “That is where the prosecutors hide and call them misdemeanours and then bring people before the judges. You may think that the judge is being unfair to anybody, but if those laws are not there, nobody will haul someone to that level. The law itself is nebulous,” he added.
His comments come in the wake of the remand of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, over alleged misinformation and offensive public comments. Kwame Baffoe was remanded into custody for two weeks on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, as investigations into the matter continue.
Source: Isaac Appiah Kubi