The 2024 flagbearer of All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga has dismissed claims that there is a culture of silence in Ghana, insisting that citizens are free to express their views without intimidation.
According to him, the country enjoys freedom of speech, and no one is being prevented from speaking openly on national issues.
Speaking to Citi News at the Eid-ul-Adha celebration in Accra on concerns about press freedom in Ghana, Mr. Ayariga said the major problem facing the country is propaganda, which he believes is negatively affecting national discourse.
He argued that while people have the right to speak freely, some individuals misuse that freedom by making irresponsible statements and later describing criticism as suppression of free speech.
He stressed that freedom of expression comes with responsibility, noting that not everything should be said or done without considering its impact on society.
Mr. Ayariga added that just as there are limits to acceptable behaviour in families and communities, public discourse must also be guided by discipline and respect.
“In Ghana, there is too much propaganda, and that propaganda is not helping us. If you look at the current regime, I do not think there is any abuse; rather, there is freedom of speech. They allow everybody to speak.
“Nobody has been silenced. There is so much freedom and peace. Everybody can say what they want. There is no law stopping anyone from expressing themselves.
“But when people are criticised for what they say, they assume there is an abuse of free speech. There is no abuse. People should know how to speak responsibly” he said.
