Constitutional protection against defamation for MPs will be corrected to prevent abuse – Dep. Attorney General

The Deputy Attorney General of Ghana, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has announced plans to amend the constitutional provisions that protect Members of Parliament (MPs) from defamation. This decision comes in response to concerns that the current legal framework is being misused by some MPs to evade accountability for their actions and statements. The proposed changes aim to strike a balance between protecting parliamentary discourse and ensuring that individuals are not shielded from legitimate criticism.

Tuah-Yeboah emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust democratic environment where MPs can engage in open discussions without fear of defamation claims. However, he acknowledged that the existing protections have led to instances where MPs exploit these laws to silence dissent or avoid scrutiny. The government intends to revise these provisions to prevent such abuses while still safeguarding the integrity of parliamentary debates.

The Deputy Attorney General's commitment reflects a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability within Ghana's political system. By addressing potential loopholes in the law, the government aims to foster an atmosphere where constructive criticism is encouraged, ultimately strengthening democracy in the country.