The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has dismissed allegations by the Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the Mahama-led government is suppressing free speech, describing the claims as exaggerated.

His response follows a petition by the Minority to the Diplomatic Corps, in which they called on the international community to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to freedom of expression, judicial independence, due process, and political tolerance under its constitutional democracy.

Speaking to journalists after appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Dr Ayine stressed that while freedom of expression is guaranteed under the Constitution, it is not absolute.

He explained that certain limits exist to protect public order, morality, and national stability.

Dr Ayine further stated that the government remains committed to safeguarding citizens’ rights and freedoms while ensuring that these rights are exercised responsibly.

“They are exaggerating a lot with respect to the gagging of free speech. There are limits if you look at Chapter 5 of the Constitution, Article 21 which deals with fundamental human rights and freedoms. You can limit free speech if for instance it undermines public order or public morals,” he said.

He added that authorities cannot ignore actions that incite hatred or threaten public safety.

“If someone is inciting hatred in our society, we do not expect that the Minority will say we should sit down idle as a government and allow that person to go on,” he stated.