Martin Kpebu: Insulting President Can Spark Violence
Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu says Ghana cannot separate words inciting violence from political insults in Accra warning that insulting the President can trigger attacks by followers.
Speaking on Starr FM, Kpebu argued that harsh political insults often escalate into physical confrontations. He said followers of leaders feel provoked to defend them. He said insults directed at the President are not ordinary free speech because they carry security implications.
According to Martin Kpebu, Ghana must treat political insults as potential incitement to violence. He said law enforcement should act when insults against the President create risk. He added that tolerance for insults weakens democratic decency and public order.
The comment comes amid debate over limits of free speech and criminal libel in Ghana. Some politicians have been arrested for allegedly insulting public officials. Civil society says insults should be handled civilly not criminally. Kpebu position draws line linking insult to security.
Ghana Constitution guarantees freedom of speech under Article 21 but also allows restrictions for public order. Criminal Offences Act criminalizes offensive conduct. Courts have in past ruled on whether insulting President amounts to offence. Lawyers remain divided.
The legal practitioner urged political actors to use issue based critique instead of personal attacks. He said insult culture fuels intolerance. He called for public education and clearer enforcement to protect both free expression and national stability.
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Author: Stella Sunu
