By Daniel Donkor
Former Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has issued a strong call to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to spearhead a nationwide campaign for the repeal of two controversial legal provisions he says are increasingly being used to stifle free expression in Ghana.
Speaking to GBC after addressing the Bono Regional celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Sunyani, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah warned that Section 208 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), risk plunging the country back into what he described as a “culture of silence.”
Originally enacted to maintain public order, the former Deputy Attorney-General argued that the laws have, over time, been “abused beyond imagination” by politicians and state actors.
“While peace and stability are critical to national development, they must never come at the expense of free speech and media independence,” he stressed.
Section 208 of Act 29 criminalises the publication of false statements likely to incite fear or disturb public peace, while Section 76 of Act 775 targets false or misleading electronic communications.
However, Mr. Tuah-Yeboah contended that the broad and vague wording of these provisions has enabled arbitrary interpretation and selective enforcement.
“These laws, in their current form, are dangerous. They can be weaponised against dissenting voices and critical journalism,” he cautioned.
He urged journalists, civil society organisations, and citizens to resist any attempts to use the legal framework as a tool of intimidation, warning that such misuse could itself breed insecurity and social tension undermining the very peace the laws were designed to protect.
Media, Youth and the Pursuit of Peace
The event, which brought together media practitioners from the Bono and Ahafo Regions, was held under the theme:
“Shaping a Future at Peace: The Role of the Youth and the Media in Building Peaceful Cities.”
Mr. Tuah-Yeboah used the platform to highlight the growing influence of young people and the media in advancing peacebuilding efforts across Ghana.
He commended youth-led initiatives that have promoted tolerance during elections and helped curb violence in conflict-prone areas, particularly in northern Ghana.
At the same time, he raised concerns about the rapid rise of digital platforms, warning that the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and divisive narratives could inflame tensions if not responsibly managed.
The Bono Regional Chairperson of the GJA, Regina Benneh-Siaw, echoed the call for responsible journalism, urging media practitioners, political actors, and media owners to foster a safer and more supportive environment especially for young reporters.
“The media remains central to building peaceful communities and safeguarding our democracy,” she noted.
Madam Benneh-Siaw emphasised the critical role journalists play in handling sensitive national issues, including chieftaincy disputes, stressing that fair, accurate, and ethical reporting can help defuse tensions rather than escalate them.
She further urged journalists to rigorously verify information before publication or broadcast, warning against the dangers of misinformation in an already volatile digital landscape.
The GJA regional chair also called for improved safety measures for journalists, enhanced access to information, and stronger mentorship systems within media organisations to nurture young talent rather than exploit it.
She appealed to political leaders to reconsider their often adversarial stance toward the media.
“Journalists are not enemies. They are partners in national development,” she said.
As part of the event, participants took part in a refresher training session led by veteran journalists, including Leonard Victor Amengor, Charles Koomson, Fiifi Ofosu-Okyere, and Emmanuel Adu-Gyamera, who shared insights on key areas requiring greater professional attention.
The event also marked the official launch of this year’s Bono Regional GJA Awards, celebrating excellence and reinforcing the media’s vital role in shaping a peaceful and democratic Ghana.
