We’re a democracy but speech must be regulated – Paramount Chief

The Konor of Manya Krobo and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II, has called on the Parliament of Ghana to come up with legislation to regulate speech in the country.

Speaking at the Mediation Foundation for West Africa event in Accra on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Nene Sakite II pointed out that even though Ghana is a democracy, there is a need to regulate what people are allowed to say.

He said that the lack of legislation is what allows hate speech, especially from politicians, and the spread of fake news in the country.

He added that he made a similar call prior to the 2020 election, but Parliament has done nothing about regulating speech, and now people can say anything they want, and some of the utterances endanger the country’s security.

“Peaceful communities in Ghana are our primary objective as traditional leaders, and we will do whatever it takes to promote peace and stability in Ghana in our own little ways, in our own communities and in our nation as a whole.

“During my last encounter with you here, I posed a challenge to Parliament as a deterrent to hate speech. I urged our legislative assembly to pass a law that will discourage people, especially politicians and their followers, from using hate speech and spreading misinformation. I ended my address by encouraging our legislators to consider what kinds of speech are protected and where the limits lie,” he said.

He added, “I made that remark right here in this forum in anticipation of the coming general elections. Well, here we are, the election season is here, and we are still waiting for Parliament on the laws and regulations to define what kinds of speech are protected and where the limits lie.

"We have not heard anything from Parliament yet on this issue. We are in an election period, and we must therefore act accordingly because we cannot tolerate hate speech and misinformation in this country anymore. Yes, we are a democracy, but that does not give you the opportunity to say whatever you want.”

Watch a video of the chief’s remarks plus others from the event below:

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