IGP's statement was misconstrued - Police

The Director of Public Affairs of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Cephas Arthur has said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor has been misconstrued following an intent by the police administration to shut down social media on election day to restrict the abuse of social media platforms by both political parties and ordinary Ghanaians, a situation which has often created unnecessary tension in the country.

Mr. Kudalor is reported to have said that the police is considering a shut down of social media on election day just like it was done in Uganda during their election.

“We are also thinking about the other alternative that the police should be IT compliant and get our own social media [account] to be able to stop these things on time.'' “We are looking at the variables and come D-Day, we’ll come out with a decision,” Kudalor said yesterday at a meeting with the media yesterday.

But commenting on the issue on Rainbow Radio Friday morning, Superintendent Cephas Arthur said, “the response or statement from his boss came after a journalist had complained about abuse on social media, where users publish falsehood and lies to incite people and was wondering what the police could about it.

And in response to the question, the IGP said the police administration have a lot of ways which they will employ, to ensure that the upcoming election comes off peaceful and as part of the efforts, the police were working around the clock to put in measures to monitor activities on social media on election day.

''The IGP did not say that the police will shut down social media on election day. We held a meeting with journalists yesterday on how best they can ensure that the election comes off peacefully.

Then a journalist suggested to the police that if they don't put in measures to monitor activities on social media, people may use the platform to spread false information, incite people and create tension. So based on what the journalist said, the IGP said, the police administration will consider various alternatives to monitor activities on social media.''

According to him, the police have not taken a decision on whether to shut down social as reported, but it forms part of the alternatives being considered by the police administration.

Superintendent Cephas Arthur chided those who are making claims that a shut down of social media will amount to an infringement on the rights of Ghanaians and their rights to freedom of speech.

He said if it becomes necessary for the police administration to curtail some activities on election day, to ensure peace and stability, they will not hesitate to do so, therefore Ghanaians should 'give them a break'.