According to Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ghana does not have a culture of silence.
He believes that breaking the law does not mean restricting freedom of speech.
"I'm not sure whether what I'm reading is about the nation where I reside." In our nation, where anybody may pick up a phone and say anything, even outright falsehoods and fabrications?"
"Has anyone been prevented from speaking in this country?" If you talk and break the law, the law must be followed. This is not the same as restricting freedom of expression. There is no proof of this in this country.
Mr. Joe Osei-Wusu made these remarks in response to a query about media practitioners who have accused the administration of presiding over a "culture of silence" since, in their opinion, the environment has changed and the tension has increased.
Ghana has also dropped from third to tenth place in Africa and from 30th to 60th place globally on the World Press Freedom Index.
The MP for Bekwai Constituency declared on the GTV Breakfast Show that laws are not meant for pleasure.
"Why do we think that making laws is for the sake of making laws?" Why should you not be held to account if you have committed a crime? That's not the same as stating, "I was arrested because I talked."
"I have yet to see evidence that someone came after me because I stated my views," he said on Monday, May 23, 2022.
He said that the police target those who break the law.
The police feel the content of your speech violates the law, yet he [Oliver Barker-Vormawor] has not been arrested. He has been summoned to appear in court. That will be decided by the court."
"We should not allow people to claim that because of free speech, they may say whatever they want." No! For nothing, my integrity has been assaulted, insulted, and I've been labelled a fraudster for something I haven't done. I have the patience, I've filed a lawsuit, and the case is currently in court."
He went on to say that individual activities and governmental actions should be distinguished.
"People should understand the difference between individual and state acts. Don't blame it on the government if I take action. That's exactly what I'm seeing. You assault someone, the other answers, and you claim the government is to blame. People prefer rumors over facts, so they make a headline. I'm now jogging.