The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) has criticised the government over what he describes as the increasing use of state security agencies in matters relating to defamation and political commentary, arguing that persons who feel defamed by political commentary should seek redress through the courts instead.
His comments come amid the arrest of the NPP’s Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC), and growing concerns by the opposition party over what it describes as attempts to suppress free speech.
Speaking to Citi News, Nana B argued that matters relating to defamation should be treated as civil issues and not criminalised through police involvement.
“If anybody feels slighted or is of the view that he has been defamed, the person can proceed to court. There is civil procedure and there is criminal procedure. Why should the police and the security agencies be involved in such matters?” he questioned.
According to him, the increasing use of security agencies in matters involving political commentary and satire raises concerns about freedom of expression in the country.
“It has reached its alarming heights and I think that all must speak against it. We are in a country where obnoxious laws are used to oppress free speech. Repressive tactics are used to oppress free speech,” he said.
Nana B further maintained that the opposition NPP would not be intimidated by what he described as repressive tactics targeted at political opponents.
“We are not intimidated by these tactics,” he added.
