The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) says arrests linked to the application of key speech-related laws in Ghana have increased significantly within the first 16 months of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration compared to the entire eight-year tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

In a statement, the MFWA said at least 14 arrests have been recorded under Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) since January 2025.

It contrasted this with eight arrests recorded under the same provisions throughout the eight years of the previous administration, describing the trend as a sharp increase in enforcement.

The Foundation said the figures raise concerns about what it described as the “weaponisation” and discriminatory application of laws used to regulate speech, particularly online expression. It argued that the development has affected journalists, media practitioners, political activists, bloggers and ordinary citizens who have been arrested over comments or publications deemed to breach the law.

MFWA cited Section 208 of Act 29, which criminalises the publication of false statements likely to cause fear or public alarm, and said its broad wording allows for subjective interpretation and possible abuse.

It also referenced Section 76 of Act 775, which criminalises the electronic transmission of false or misleading information that could endanger public safety, warning that its application risks chilling free expression.

While acknowledging the need for laws that address disinformation and protect public order, the organisation said the current enforcement pattern risks undermining democratic freedoms and constitutional rights.

MFWA further recalled that President Mahama, while in opposition in 2022, had criticised what he described as the criminalisation of speech and journalism, warning against the use of state power to intimidate citizens. It also pointed to commitments in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto to review or repeal laws seen as restrictive to press freedom, noting that recent developments appear to contradict those pledges.

The Foundation, however, also cautioned against rising cases of abusive and reckless political rhetoric, urging media platforms and content creators to act responsibly to avoid inflaming tensions.

It called on political parties to publicly condemn members who engage in offensive speech, warning that failure to do so could undermine Ghana’s democratic stability.

MFWA reiterated its call for the repeal of Section 76 of Act 775 and Section 208 of Act 29, arguing that their broad and vague wording continues to expose citizens to selective enforcement.

The organisation stressed that while regulation of harmful speech is necessary, it must not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms guaranteed under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.