Mahama Writes To “Dictator” Akufo-Addo -Over Criminalisation Of Free Speech

President Akufo-Addo is having an earful from his predecessor, former President John Mahama, who has personally written to the “Emperor in naked clothes” over his fascist criminalisation of free speech in Ghana.

In the letter, in which the former signs off as, “Your Brother,” he said Akufo Addo cannot continue to arrest journalists who criticize him when those criticisms are essentially civil in nature.

“President Akufo-Addo, you cannot continue to oppress the people, criminalize speech when these matters are essentially civil in nature, if you feel offended by them,” Mr. John Mahama wrote.

According to the former President, “I am appalled at the growing criminalisation of speech and journalism in Ghana, under your watch, in this 21st century.”

The letter follows the arrest of Accra FM presenter, Kwabena Bobbie Ansah, on the premises of the station by personnel from National Security.

Before that, Captain Smart of Onua TV was also arrested for some utterances he had made on TV, and he’s currently facing trial for alleged extortion.

Also, the Executive

Director of ASEPA, a social group that advocates for good governance, Mensah Thompson, was on Thursday, February 10, 2022, granted bail in the sum of 50,000 cedis after he was arrested and charged for allegedly publishing false news against the President and the Ghana Armed Forces, although he had apologised for the claims.

“There have also been several disturbing incidents of harassment of journalists in the line of duty; we have witnessed media establishments closed down on your instructions, despite many appeals to you,” former President Mahama wrote reminding Akufo-Addo it is under his regime that investigative journalist, Ahmed Suale, was murdered, with the Police virtually putting his case on ice,” Mahama noted.

“Now, in a space of less than two weeks, four people have suffered police action, criminalizing their right to free speech. As Attorney General, at the time, who led the repeal of the criminal libel law, in order that citizens could freely express their views, it is unconscionable to be suppressing the rights and criminalising the speech of citizens and journalists. It is even more worrying when the power of the state is used as a pliant tool in this intimidating endeavor,” former President Mahama wrote.

According to the former President, the dictator move of the Akufo Addo administration has even succeeded in cowing the Ghana Journalist Association and other organizations.

“It is even sadder that the Journalists Association and its senior members, many of our clergy and other moral leaders, are scared because of the oppressive and dictatorial regime you are running…This is a dangerous blueprint you are fashioning for our

dear nation and it must not be encouraged. Your actions as President have totally discredited your self-acquired accolade as a human rights lawyer and activist,” Mahama slammed Akufo Addo.