We must be consistent in applying false publication laws – Barker-Vormawor on Salomey Bafoh case
by Gabs · MyNewsGh.comLegal practitioner and anti-corruption campaigner Oliver Barker-Vormawor has questioned the consistency with which Ghana’s laws on offensive speech and false publications are being applied.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Barker-Vormawor said the arrest of Salomey Awiti Bafoh should be considered alongside how similar political speech has been treated in other cases.
He said some comments made by political actors may be unpleasant or offensive without necessarily amounting to a criminal offence.
Barker-Vormawor said the same standard should apply regardless of the political affiliation or sympathies of the person making the statement.
“My concern, and I’ve spoken consistently, is our inability to be consistent in application of false publication rules and speech offending rules,” he said.
He also referred to comments made by other public figures, including Kevin Taylor, arguing that if particular speech is considered criminal, the basis for that determination should be applied consistently.
“If one speech is deemed as unpleasant, then we must apply that stroke across the board,” he said.
Barker-Vormawor said his concern was not whether he agreed with the content of the statements but whether the law was being applied equally.
His remarks revolve around Bafoh, who has been accused of links to the “Ghana Jollof” platform and pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the alleged publication and circulation of false news.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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