The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has raised concerns over the growing tensions surrounding the arrest and prosecution of political actors over comments made on social media and other public platforms.
Speaking during the Mampong Ohum/Odwira 2026 celebration, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh called for restraint in the handling of political speech, arguing that Ghana’s democratic development requires tolerance, fairness and respect for due process.
He cautioned that political power is temporary and urged those in authority to consider the long-term implications of actions taken against political opponents and citizens over political commentary.
According to him, Ghana must avoid a situation where the criminal justice system becomes entangled in partisan political disputes, particularly where similar conduct by supporters of different political parties is perceived to receive different treatment.
His comments come amid a wider national debate over arrests and prosecutions linked to allegedly offensive, defamatory or threatening comments made against political figures. Various political actors and civil society voices have raised concerns about the balance between protecting freedom of expression and enforcing laws against speech that may constitute criminal conduct.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders and other influential voices to help promote responsible political communication and discourage insults and inflammatory rhetoric, particularly on social media.
He acknowledged that political discourse has increasingly moved to digital platforms, where young people in particular can make comments about political leaders, their families and public officials. He therefore urged political actors and citizens to exercise responsibility while defending the democratic right to criticism.
The Minority Chief Whip’s intervention adds to an ongoing national conversation about where the line should be drawn between legitimate political criticism, offensive expression and speech that may violate the law.
He maintained that the democratic institutions of Ghana must uphold the principles of fairness, due process and equal application of the law, regardless of political affiliation.
