Shutting down social media on election day

The IGP, John Kudalor, has stirred a hornet ' s nest by suggesting that the police might shut down social media on election day. Predictably, there have been howls of protest. The NPP has threatened to resist and Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo has threatened to lead a demonstration. Wisely, Attorney Ace Ankomah has suggested that there may be legal remedies. He is right.

First, it is not clear that the security forces, except in the case of an emergency, have the power to abridge the right of citizens to communicate enshrined in the constitution. Only a court or Parliament, through proper legislation can do that. Even the Parliamentary action may not pass constitutional muster.

From the foregoing, it would appear that Professor Gadzekpo was talking out of turn when she threatened to lead people to the streets and not to court.

Second, as studies in Britain and elsewhere have demonstrated, during civil unrest, social media may be a help to law enforcement by permitting them to know who is doing what. It is therefore not clear that banning social media will be beneficial.

Third, assuming there is a need to control communication , why social media and not radio? 70% of Ghanaians listen to radio while 14% have access to social media, according to data from 2012. It is not clear while a few people posting on facebook are more dangerous than a demagogue rousing his followers on radio.

It is certainly fortuitous that through a Freudian slip, we know what the police are planning.

Here is what we need to do.

First, we need an honest and full debate on communication around elections.

Second Parliament should enquire into how we can maintain freedom of expression and security during elections.

Third we must educate the public about the need for peace.

Fourth, we must call out the radio stations, newspapers and political leaders bent on causing mayhem. We all know there are radio stations and newspapers far, far more dangerous than facebook.

As Goodluck Jonathan said, "Nobody's ambition is worth a drop of any Nigerian ' s blood". This applies to Ghana.

The problem, my friends, is not social media or even radio. It is the merchants of violence thirsting for power who will stop at nothing to maintain or attain power. They are the real obstacles to peace.

God bless you all and Ghana.

Arthur K