Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has assured Ghanaians that the Mahama administration will not restrict freedom of expression but warned that hate speech, threats and other forms of criminal conduct cannot be justified in the name of free speech.

Speaking at the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Kwakye Ofosu said the government was not afraid of criticism, including harsh attacks on President John Dramani Mahama and his administration.

“Under no circumstances will the government of President John Dramani Mahama curb free speech,” he stated.

He, however, insisted that a clear distinction must be drawn between legitimate criticism and speech that threatens public safety or crosses the line into criminal conduct.

According to him, the growing use of social media to spread inflammatory content, particularly messages capable of fuelling tension and conflict, presents a challenge that law enforcement agencies cannot afford to ignore.

Kwakye Ofosu said authorities had previously identified individuals allegedly using social media to promote hate speech and inflame conflicts, arguing that the state would be failing in its duty if it ignored such conduct.

He cited Africa’s experience with violent conflicts and genocide, warning that inflammatory speech could have devastating consequences if left unchecked.

The Minister maintained that criticising the government, even in strong terms, was a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. However, he stressed that such criticism must be distinguished from threats against individuals and other forms of unlawful conduct.

Beyond the debate over free speech, Kwakye Ofosu also condemned the reported assault of journalists during the demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach.

He assured the media that the government would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, underscoring the need to protect journalists in the discharge of their professional duties.

His remarks come as questions about freedom of expression, online speech and the safety of journalists remain central to public discourse, with the GJA Media Awards providing a platform to reflect on the media’s role in Ghana’s democratic governance.