Legal practitioner and journalist Samson Lardi Anyenini has reiterated his opposition to the abuse of free speech while maintaining that custodial sentences and criminal prosecutions are not the appropriate response in most cases.

His comments come amid the recent arrests of social media users over political commentary including TikToker Camilla Alhassan who has been sentenced to one year in prison for offensive conduct and the publication of false news targeting President John Mahama.

Reacting to the developments, Mr Anyenini said public debate should focus on issues rather than personal attacks.

"As I have maintained over the years, this ugly subculture of free speech abuse must end. I don't know why you can't take on the issues rather than insult elders," he said.

He stressed that freedom of speech exists to protect democracy and promote accountability, not to provide cover for offensive conduct.

"Freedom of speech was fought and won to safeguard democracy, to hold power accountable, and to champion truth, not to serve as a licence to malign citizens or act foolishly," he stated.

Despite his criticism of abusive speech, the TV host argued that criminal sanctions should not be the default response.

"However, my stance remains the same: custodial sentences and criminal prosecutions are not the remedy in most of the cases," he said.

He further cautioned against the use of State power to prosecute offensive speech, specifically referencing Section 208 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act and Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act.

"Weapons of State power like Section 208 of the Criminal & Other Offenses Act and Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act should not be deployed as criminal hammers against foolish or offensive speech," he said.

According to Mr Anyenini, civil remedies, robust public discourse and social disapproval offer a more appropriate response.

"The solution lies in civil remedies, robust public discourse and social media opprobrium," he stressed.