By Maltiti Sayida Sadick
The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has raised concerns over what he describes as a growing threat to freedom of speech in Ghana, warning against the emergence of a “culture of silence” driven by the abuse of state power.
Speaking in an interview with Maltiti Sayida Sadick on GTV’s Breakfast Show, the former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources cited the recent case involving the NPP Bono Regional Communications Officer, Baba Armando, who was allegedly arrested, handcuffed, and later granted bail of GH¢30,000 with two sureties over claims of false publication, threats and offensive online content.
Mr Jinapor described the incident as “a complete anomaly” and “an attack on the rule of law”, warning that such actions risk undermining democratic principles. According to him, the use of state power in this manner reflects a worrying trend in which political actors behave differently depending on whether they are in government or opposition.
“Fourth Republic politics has shown that when politicians are in opposition, their stance on the rule of law and due process differs significantly from when they assume power,” he said. “It is important to make good laws because you may eventually become a victim of those same laws.”
The MP also criticised what he described as an increasing tendency by authorities to “show people power” when political leadership changes, accusing some officials of using legal justifications to target opponents while the opposition predictably protests.
He argued that allegations such as defamation should be addressed through civil legal processes rather than criminal prosecution. Drawing a comparison, he recalled how former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo faced harsh insults and smear campaigns, including being likened to a chimpanzee, yet did not resort to arrests or public humiliation of critics.
While acknowledging that matters involving national security or sovereignty may warrant criminal action, Mr Jinapor insisted that public office holders must accept criticism as part of democratic life.
“The state should not be allowed to use its resources to revive a culture of silence,” he cautioned, adding that bail conditions should not be used as a form of punishment. He stressed that the legal grounds for denying bail are clearly defined and should not be applied arbitrarily, especially in cases involving minor offences.
He concluded by calling for fairness and impartiality in the justice system, urging that due process be followed without political interference, regardless of who is in power.
