Lawyer Martin Kpebu has argued that insults and harsh political commentary are part of accountability in a democracy and should not automatically lead to arrests.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, August 8, Mr Kpebu expressed concern about what he described as the Mahama administration’s record of arrests over free speech matters.

He said the government had recorded more arrests over free speech issues in its first 18 months than the Akufo-Addo administration did during its eight years in office.

“For one and a half years, this current government has arrested more people on matters of free speech than Akufo-Addo's eight years. It is a bad record for John Mahama; they should be careful. Mahama should pay attention,” he said.

Mr Kpebu warned that the trend could gradually erode the goodwill enjoyed by the government.

“These things start small; before he realises, all the goodwill is gone. Let the people talk.”

He said public officials should expect strong criticism as part of democratic discourse.

“As for the insult, there is nothing you can do; it's part of accountability,” he emphasised.

Mr Kpebu cited examples of political comments made against former President Nana Akufo-Addo while he was in office, including descriptions of him as “stone-deaf” monitor lizard and “Nebuchadnezzar”, which he said did not lead to arrests.

He also referenced the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, who he said described former President J.A. Kufuor as a thief while Mr Kufuor was in office.

“Late President Jerry John Rawlings called former President J.A. Kufuor, while in office, a thief. He didn't arrest J.J. You can't shut people down by arrests. I think the government should sit up,” he said.

Mr Kpebu urged the government to allow Ghanaians to express their views, including harsh criticism, without resorting to arrests.

He also called for alternative ways of dealing with offensive public commentary, suggesting measures such as fines or public naming and shaming where appropriate.