While Ghana’s democratic framework guarantees freedom of speech and expression, that constitutional right was never intended to become a licence for abuse, misinformation, or the degradation of others.

Indeed, Ghanaian law recognises limits to irresponsible speech. Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) criminalizes the publication or reproduction of false statements, rumours, or reports that are likely to cause fear, alarm, or disturb the public peace.

In addition, the law of defamation provides remedies against false publications that damage the reputation of individuals. Although the wording of Section 208 has often been criticised as broad or vague, and concerns have been raised about its possible impact on freedom of expression.

The underlying principle remains important: freedom of speech does not grant anyone the right to publish falsehoods irresponsibly, spread misinformation, or unjustifiably attack defamation law provides remedies for false publications that damage individuals’ reputation and the reputation of others.

Constructive criticism, advocacy, and political accountability are essential pillars of democracy. However, there is a clear distinction between legitimate criticism and conduct that seeks merely to insult, provoke, intimidate, or destroy reputations through falsehoods, sensationalism, and personal attacks.

Public discourse should be guided by truth, decency, and restraint, particularly in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly and can cause lasting reputational, social, and even security consequences.

In recent times, there appears to be a noticeable rise in these behaviours, especially across social media and politically charged platforms, where some individuals publish allegations without verification and resort to abusive or inflammatory language against persons in authority and other public figures.

Unfortunately, activism in some quarters is gradually being reduced to insults, propaganda, and deliberate misinformation merely to gain public attention, social media relevance, or political favour.

This trend does not strengthen democracy; rather, it weakens the quality of national dialogue and undermines respect for institutions and leadership. A society where people speak without responsibility gradually becomes one where truth loses value and public confidence in governance erodes.

It is therefore important to strongly admonish all persons engaged in political commentary, activism, and media advocacy to exercise greater responsibility in their public utterances.

Information must be properly verified before publication. Disagreements must be expressed respectfully. Criticism should focus on policies, actions, and governance issues rather than descending into insults, character assassination, and needless hostility.

Freedom of speech is a constitutional right, but like all rights, it must be exercised with wisdom, discipline, and respect for the dignity of others. No democracy can thrive where abuse is mistaken for courage or where recklessness is celebrated as activism.

Ghana’s democracy will be strengthened not by loud insults and unverified accusations, but by informed criticism, responsible advocacy, and civil engagement.

The time has come for all well-meaning citizens, political actors, media practitioners, and activists to consciously reject the growing culture of toxic public discourse. We must collectively promote truth, decency, accountability, and respectful engagement in our national conversations. Our words have consequences, and they should be used to build the nation rather than divide and destroy it

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Rev. Owusu urged both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to caution their supporters against political insults.

“When are we going to put a stop to all these insults? Both political parties should advise their members that we can express our opinions without insulting one another,” he said.

According to him, politicians from both major parties have contributed to the growing culture of insults by rewarding individuals who engage in such conduct for political attention.

“Both NPP and NDC have accepted what is happening. Politicians are glorifying what is happening. If a politician wants to be popular, they resort to insults,” he stated.

Rev. Owusu noted that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President John Dramani Mahama have both been victims of political insults over the years.

“The presidents that have suffered from these insults a lot are Mahama and Akufo-Addo. But why they do it is because they are rewarded by the same politicians,” he added.

He further expressed concern that insults have now extended beyond politicians to traditional leaders.

“Now they have even moved to insulting chiefs, all because politicians have accepted this bad behaviour,” he lamented.

Rev. Owusu, however, criticised what he described as excessive actions by state authorities in dealing with some offenders.

“In as much as I don’t agree with government that someone has written something on their WhatsApp status so the person will be picked up, why? That is too much,” he said.

He stated that although he supports discipline in public discourse, imprisoning individuals for minor offences may not be the best solution.

“I’m not happy that someone will be put in jail for weeks for minor offences, but how did we get here?” he questioned.

The political commentator stressed the need for political parties and supporters to discourage abusive conduct instead of shielding individuals who engage in insults.

“We should also advise the people involved and those supporting the people who insult. The political parties have become a shield for them to be doing those things,” he added.

Rev. Owusu maintained that while freedom of expression is important, it should not be abused to justify insults and offensive conduct.

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