Abass Nurudeen, the Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and aspiring National Communications Officer, has rejected claims that free speech is under threat in Ghana, insisting that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, current affairs program monitored by Kumasi Mail, Nurudeen argued that assertions that the government is criminalizing free speech are not supported by evidence or international assessments on press freedom.
“I don’t think free speech is under threat. Free speech is being protected,” he stated, adding that Ghana continues to perform creditably on global press freedom indicators.
According to him, citizens and political commentators who engage in “responsible commentary” continue to express their views without intimidation or interference.
Abass Nurudeen made the remarks while commenting on the recent invitation of some political commentators and activists by security agencies over statements deemed offensive or threatening.
He dismissed suggestions that the invitations were politically motivated or targeted at government critics.
“I don’t think Mr. Gary Nimako has been invited because he has been critical of government. I don’t think others have been invited merely for engaging in political commentary,” he said.
He maintained that security agencies only act when comments cross legal boundaries and potentially threaten public order or the judiciary.
Citing the case involving Bono Regional Chairman of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, Nurudeen argued that certain public comments amount to “scandalizing the court” and threatening judicial officers.
He referenced alleged remarks by Abronye directed at a judge, where Abronye is on record to have said thet when the NPP win the election he will deal with that judge describing them as inappropriate and dangerous.
“This is a clear case of scandalizing a court of competent jurisdiction. This is a clear case of threatening a judge who is duly administering justice in an official capacity,” he stressed.
Nurudeen also criticized former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for condemning Abronye’s arrest, saying similar actions were taken against individuals accused of contempt or threatening public officials during the previous administration.
He cited instances where individuals were jailed or prosecuted over comments made during the 2020 election petition and other politically sensitive matters.
“At least, I don’t know of any MPP member who is currently in jail,” he added.
The NDC communicator emphasized that freedom of expression comes with responsibilities and urged public commentators to be mindful of the potential consequences of their statements on national stability and democratic institutions.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
