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NPP General Secretary defends Akufo-Addo government's free speech record
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Justin Frimpong Kodua, General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has asserted that the former administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo demonstrated significant tolerance for criticism and dissent. Speaking on Metro TV on April 20, 2026, Kodua emphasized the importance of distinguishing between legitimate expressions of opinion and statements that could threaten national security or incite public panic. He noted that robust criticism, satire, and caricatures of political leaders are common in democracies and should not be misinterpreted as threats. Kodua cited an instance where a social media user allegedly depicted former President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam against an LGBTQ-themed background, stating that the NPP government chose not to act. He argued that criticism regarding issues like the government's failure to pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation falls within free expression. However, Kodua differentiated this from dangerous allegations that could undermine the constitution or incite violence, warning that a failure to respect free expression could lead to a "culture of silence." He urged authorities to focus on statements with genuine security implications rather than targeting dissenting views, stressing that protecting free speech is crucial for Ghana's democratic development.
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