Minister of Interior, Henry Quartey, has cautioned the public to desist from using social media to incite violence in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
He sounded this warning when paid a working visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare on Monday, April 8, 2024.
Addressing the issue of the use of social media to incite violence during the elections, he stressed that there are laws that guide such behaviour, adding that the move is to ensure peace in the elections.
He emphasized that although Ghana is a democratic nation, individuals nevertheless have a responsibility to safeguard the peace of the country.
“I know that we have passed a law in Parliament against false publications. Social media has become a space everybody threatens everybody and says anything anyhow. 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.
“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.”
He further promised the Ghana Police Service that government would provide them with the necessary resources for a operation during the elections.
“This is an election year, and by the grace of God, we will ensure free, fair, transparent elections before, during, and after the 2024 elections. That we will not interfere in the elections. We will allow a free, fair, and transparent election. And also, just to let you know the government will continue to retool the Police Service.
“It means before the elections we shall do our best to give the Ghana Police Service more accoutrement to be able to discharge your duties professionally.”
