Ii must only be political epedience for one not only to disagree,but make it a campaign on interpretations that are not absolutes.The debate about freedom of soeech and expression took a stance based on absolutes as if to say ... read full comment
Ii must only be political epedience for one not only to disagree,but make it a campaign on interpretations that are not absolutes.The debate about freedom of soeech and expression took a stance based on absolutes as if to say you are wrong because i disagree with your interpretation. Until we learn to accept that freedom of speech is subjective and that it can not be absolute these so called constitutjonal expects will be doing more harm than good.
Kojo T 10 years ago
Just being in the diaspora does not make you an expert. What research and publications stand i their name. Personal opinions do not make experts. But then law is not an exact science which is why of 9 judges you can have a 5- ... read full comment
Just being in the diaspora does not make you an expert. What research and publications stand i their name. Personal opinions do not make experts. But then law is not an exact science which is why of 9 judges you can have a 5-4 verdict. Let them get it law is not 1+1=2
Paul Amuna 10 years ago
True indeed.
True indeed.
Combine 10 years ago
Some Ghanaians think freedom of speech is to say anything that comes from one's mouth regardless of the consequences. You speak your mind but make sure what you speech does not offend, affect, or embarrass and disgrace anyone ... read full comment
Some Ghanaians think freedom of speech is to say anything that comes from one's mouth regardless of the consequences. You speak your mind but make sure what you speech does not offend, affect, or embarrass and disgrace anyone. In USA, your freedom ends where my nose begins period.
The USA the birth place of freedom and the same place where the same freedom can send you to jail. Urinate in public or marry two women in America and see what will happen to you. Ghanaians take things too far. The radio programs in Ghana discuss sexual issues that would never be allowed in the USA or would be sanction in the USA. In Ghana, Loose talks is everywhere. Is this a model of an African country? A country without morals? The law has to be tough on people who defame the good name and characters of others thru the nonsense of freedom of speech.
i applaud justice Atubuga .We need more f him.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago
Absolutely right Okonko, there are no absolutes in these matters and people need to simply use reason.
Absolutely right Okonko, there are no absolutes in these matters and people need to simply use reason.
LONTO-BOY 10 years ago
Basically, Human rights are based on the principles of equality, dignity and respect. They require a balance to be struck between the rights of others or the wider community. Hence, in the exercise of our rights and freedoms, ... read full comment
Basically, Human rights are based on the principles of equality, dignity and respect. They require a balance to be struck between the rights of others or the wider community. Hence, in the exercise of our rights and freedoms, we must respect the rights and freedoms of others and the general well-being of the society.
In Ghana, we live in a democracy in which it is widely supposed that anything can be said without constraints. Freedom of speech is arch democratic principle vital for free society, but there have to be limits and justifiable restrictions on Free speech at times. In Ghana's politics, The words-"Rights and Freedoms" are mostly abused by people who should know better.
insight to the bone 10 years ago
Fake leaders claim thrones without building kingdoms as pepeni has done by murdering mills . today there is another divide and that is the north south whereby these Muslims think its their god given right to plunder and oppre ... read full comment
Fake leaders claim thrones without building kingdoms as pepeni has done by murdering mills . today there is another divide and that is the north south whereby these Muslims think its their god given right to plunder and oppress the Akans. Just as pharaoh had pestilence after pestilence , no water , no electricity , no infrastructure , no development, chinese locusts poisoning our lands and waters ,corruption and death everywhere and the people suffer. they are blind to see the will of God and in their selfish fantasies think its a right or their turn to pillage the coffers . they send their chariots or special police and army to try in put fear in the children of God the Akans . we are told their plan is to start shooting first and again blame the Akans so we must now prepare and make sure when they do not a single one leaves alive . we number millions and can never be defeated by your mischievous fools . THe lord has promised us freedom and nobody with their trickery and biased toilet carrying pepeni judges can stop it.It is time to take the children to the villages and prepare to defend ourselves against this evil pepeni , long live the republic of Akan
Prof Lungu 10 years ago
Our thanks for the defense of the women pace-setters, Ms. Oye Lithur, Ms. Victoria Hammah , etc. Of course, we'd expect that the Honorable (we do not use "Honorable" lightly) pace-setters have capacity to defend themselves. ... read full comment
Our thanks for the defense of the women pace-setters, Ms. Oye Lithur, Ms. Victoria Hammah , etc. Of course, we'd expect that the Honorable (we do not use "Honorable" lightly) pace-setters have capacity to defend themselves.
On the whole, we agree with much of this essay.
But not the rather dramatic conclusion.
ITEM: We do not think the conduct of any free man who "insult(s) anybody" is the same as the conduct of another free man who "incite(s) others to cause havoc." There ought to be a sharper "Freedom" distinction, we dare say. To paraphrase a recent statement by John Stewart, "Insult" never stole a penny from the people; "Insult" never broke a free man's bones, burn or steal their properly, etc. Except that public officials, civil servants, and others acting on behalf of the People have a special duty and responsibility to be civil and measured at all times, particularly when they are on the Peoples' dime.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago
Your last comment "ITEM" gives another perspective of the overall point I sought to make. We seem to be talking about (and I presume seeking) the same thing - CIVILITY in our discourse.
Your last comment "ITEM" gives another perspective of the overall point I sought to make. We seem to be talking about (and I presume seeking) the same thing - CIVILITY in our discourse.
Prof Lungu 10 years ago
Dr. Amuna,
We agree!
We should not criminalize insults by/between free citizens, even of public officials and politicians. And there ought to be a fair/objective process for even civil servants.
Thanks.
Dr. Amuna,
We agree!
We should not criminalize insults by/between free citizens, even of public officials and politicians. And there ought to be a fair/objective process for even civil servants.
Ii must only be political epedience for one not only to disagree,but make it a campaign on interpretations that are not absolutes.The debate about freedom of soeech and expression took a stance based on absolutes as if to say ...
read full comment
Just being in the diaspora does not make you an expert. What research and publications stand i their name. Personal opinions do not make experts. But then law is not an exact science which is why of 9 judges you can have a 5- ...
read full comment
True indeed.
Some Ghanaians think freedom of speech is to say anything that comes from one's mouth regardless of the consequences. You speak your mind but make sure what you speech does not offend, affect, or embarrass and disgrace anyone ...
read full comment
Absolutely right Okonko, there are no absolutes in these matters and people need to simply use reason.
Basically, Human rights are based on the principles of equality, dignity and respect. They require a balance to be struck between the rights of others or the wider community. Hence, in the exercise of our rights and freedoms, ...
read full comment
Fake leaders claim thrones without building kingdoms as pepeni has done by murdering mills . today there is another divide and that is the north south whereby these Muslims think its their god given right to plunder and oppre ...
read full comment
Our thanks for the defense of the women pace-setters, Ms. Oye Lithur, Ms. Victoria Hammah , etc. Of course, we'd expect that the Honorable (we do not use "Honorable" lightly) pace-setters have capacity to defend themselves. ...
read full comment
Your last comment "ITEM" gives another perspective of the overall point I sought to make. We seem to be talking about (and I presume seeking) the same thing - CIVILITY in our discourse.
Dr. Amuna,
We agree!
We should not criminalize insults by/between free citizens, even of public officials and politicians. And there ought to be a fair/objective process for even civil servants.
Thanks.