Legal practitioner and journalist Samson Lardi Anyenini has called for a more responsible public discourse, urging Ghanaians to use free speech to debate issues rather than attack individuals.

His comments come amid the recent arrests of social media users over political commentary including TikToker Camilla Alhassan, who is currently facing a year term in prison.

The TikToker was arrested, arraigned before court and charged with engaging in offensive conduct and the publication of false news targeting President John Mahama.

Mr Anyenini said the growing tendency to insult public figures and other citizens under the guise of free speech undermines the very purpose for which the right was secured.

"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 expression is intended to protect democracy, promote accountability and advance truth, not to justify offensive or malicious 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.

While condemning the misuse of free speech, Mr Anyenini maintained that criminal prosecution is not the appropriate remedy in most instances.

He argued that laws such as Section 208 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act and Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act should not be used as criminal tools against offensive speech.