Dr Sammy Ayeh has called on the State to take action against anyone who makes serious threats against its President.
He says Ghanaians have the right to criticise the President, disagree with government policies, support the opposition and demand change.
However, these democratic rights do not give anyone permission to threaten another person’s life.
“Opposition is not a crime, and disagreement is not treason,” he said. “But freedom of speech does not include the freedom to threaten violence.”
Dr Ayeh explained in a Facebook post that in a country, the President holds the highest executive office, hence, Protecting the President is therefore not a political favour.
It is the duty of the State.
He warned that ignoring serious threats against Presidents could send the wrong message about the country’s ability to protect its leaders.
However, Dr Ayeh said the law must be applied fairly.
“A person should not be arrested simply because they are an opposition member or a critic of the government.”
According to him, the main question should be whether the person has committed a crime and whether there is enough evidence to prove it.
He said the police must investigate properly, prosecutors must rely on evidence, and the courts must decide whether an accused person is guilty.
As the rights of every accused person must also be respected.
His comments stems from the recent arrest of a nurse purported to be working with one ‘Ghana Jollof’ who has been inciting violence on Tiktok.
Full text: Statement by DG of Criminal Investigations Department on activities of ‘Ghana Jollof’
By Lois Dogbe
