RANA warns Salomey Bafoh case could have chilling effect on free expression

The Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA) has raised concerns about the human-rights implications of the arrest, detention and prosecution of senior nursing officer Salomey Awiti Bafoh, warning that the case could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression in Ghana.

RANA said the protection of that right must allow citizens to criticise governments, debate public affairs and participate in political discussions without unreasonable fear that lawful expression or dissemination of political material could expose them to disproportionate criminal processes.

It also called for a broader review of Ghana’s criminal speech laws, including Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), against the constitutional protection of freedom of expression and Ghana’s obligations under the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.