2024 elections: ‘Arrest anyone who passes inciteful comments on social media’ — Interior Minister to Police

Interior Minister Henry Quartey has directed the police to arrest anyone who passes inciteful or threatening comments on social media ahead of next year's general elections.

In a meeting with the Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare on Monday, April 8, Henry Quartey said social media has become a space "where everybody threatens everybody and says anything anyhow."

He called on the police to use their powers to crack down on such online activities.

"Mr IGP, you have the powers with you. People sit in the comfort of their rooms and threaten. Anybody who makes those remarks, we will go after you because that is what the law says," he told the IGP.

"Your statements and your actions should not incite the public. It must not create fear and panic in the public. Free speech, free association, free movement, but we must be guided by our statements not to create fear and panic," the interior minister added.

The directive comes as Ghana prepares for highly contested national elections next year, with the ruling New Patriotic Party and main opposition National Democratic Congress neck-and-neck in polls.

There are fears online political rhetoric could heat up and potentially ignite tensions.

The Interior Minister said ensuring "free, fair, transparent" elections that do not interfere in the democratic process is a priority.

“Before the elections we shall do our best to give the Ghana Police Service more accoutrement to be able to discharge your duties professionally," he asserted.