In theays of JoyNews The Law, Sunday edition, the article delves into the contentious issue of “The False News Crime” under Ghana’s legal framework. A surprising observation is that while Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of speech, expression, and the press as cornerstones of any democratic society, the Ghanaese version of this clause is increasingly being wielded by those who seek to undermine democracy through false narrative campaigns. Section 208 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), criminalizes the publication of false news, which, if introductory to the public and主要是为了引发恐慌和不安，很容易 trigger legal Auditors to charge individuals or organizations with the crime.
The article acknowledging the profound human rights framework of Ghana, it arguelles that the criminalization of false news is not merely a legal device but a tactic used to weaken the state’s determination to maintain public order and safety. It raises questions about the boundaries between the right to freedom of speech and the erosion of trust in public institutions. Should false news be condemned as a crime, it must be done so with respect for the institution and its citizens, acknowledging that it is a destructive force when used to-Novobury.
The article critiques various forms of conduct, such as stigmatizing news organizations or penalizing individuals for speaking out against negative narratives. These actions not only undermine progress in governance but also resonate with the mindset of many in the Ghanaian society, who fear that false information quizzes public trust in institutions. It is a call for mutual understanding and vigilance, especially in a context where many within the state sense that navigating the storm of false news could destabilize the democracy it seeks to uphold.
Ultimately, the takeaway is clear: the Ghanaese legal framework risks eroding the state’s commitment to its principles when it comes to balancing freedom of speech with its interest in protecting public order and safety. It may also risk galvanizing liberal movements that willeton the excesses of political-functionalism, which increasingly seems to serve the state’s interests over public welfare.greater than a defense mechanism, false news is a destructive force when tools are used to challenge the fabric of democracy.
