Free speech under fire, Oppong Nkrumah says state is using criminal law to silence political voices, 16 charged in 16 months.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, counsel for the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Kwame Baffoe, has accused the government of using Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act to suppress dissenting views and intimidate political opponents. Speaking after Abronye DC was granted bail on May 21, Mr Oppong Nkrumah argued that the increasing use of the provisions, under which about 16 people have reportedly been charged in the past 16 months, raises concerns over free speech and political tolerance. He questioned why bail was initially denied for what he described as a misdemeanour that could attract only a fine upon conviction. He also criticised alleged attempts to track critics through IP addresses and claimed the selective application of the law was contributing to rising political tension in the country. Referencing concerns raised by the National Peace Council, he called for fairness, restraint and efforts to reduce growing mistrust within the political environment.
