MP Rejects Criminalization of Free Speech, Calls for Civil Remedies in Defamation Cases
The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has strongly criticized what he describes as the increasing use of the state's criminal justice system to target citizens and political activists for exercising their constitutional right to free speech.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday 9th June, 2026 following recent parliamentary proceedings, the lawmaker aligned himself with concerns previously raised by the Minority Leader, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin regarding what they view as the growing suppression of free expression in the country.
Hon. Abudulai Jinapor stressed that freedom of speech is a fundamental human right protected under Article 21 of Ghana's Constitution and warned against actions that could undermine the democratic gains achieved over the past two decades. "It is important for us to point out, and do so clearly and forcefully, that under Ghanaian law and under the laws of comparable democratic countries across the world, when people exercise free speech, their remedy lies in civil law," he stated.
The Damongo MP clarified that where individuals make statements that allegedly damage the reputation of public officials, including holders of the highest offices of state, the appropriate legal remedy is through civil defamation suits rather than criminal prosecution.
According to him, aggrieved persons should seek redress through the civil courts, while public officials must refrain from using the state's criminal justice machinery to intimidate, harass, or prosecute citizens over political speech. Hon. Jinapor also reflected on Ghana's democratic history, highlighting the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law in 2001 under the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
He described the repeal as a landmark achievement that significantly expanded press freedom and freedom of expression in the country.
He cautioned that recent developments involving criminal action against citizens for expressing their views represent a worrying departure from the democratic principles that have guided Ghana's governance since the repeal of the law.
The MP therefore called for a renewed commitment to constitutional freedoms and urged authorities to uphold civil remedies as the appropriate avenue for addressing defamation claims, thereby protecting the rights of citizens and strengthening Ghana's democracy.
Report by PKB
