JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante criticises use of ‘false news’ laws to intimidate journalists at Constitutional Review Committee

Kwaku Asante, a journalist with JoyNews, has raised concerns about false news laws in Ghana. He believes these laws are misused to suppress press freedom.

Asante spoke to the Constitutional Review Committee on Tuesday. He highlighted recent arrests of journalists under these laws. He argued that such cases should be handled through civil processes instead.

He mentioned a specific case involving a journalist. This journalist was arrested for claiming the former Vice President's wife owned land. Authorities labeled this claim as false and charged the journalist.

Asante explained that false news laws were meant for serious situations. For example, they apply when someone falsely claims there is a bomb in a crowded place. Such claims can cause chaos and harm.

He emphasized that inaccurate reporting should not lead to criminal charges. Instead, affected parties should seek legal remedies through civil courts.

Asante stated, “If a journalist wrongly reports ownership of land, legal action should be civil.” He criticized police raids on newsrooms for such issues.

He acknowledged that not all legal principles fit into the Constitution. However, he stressed the need for core values like freedom of expression and media independence.

These principles can guide future legislation and protect against arbitrary arrests. Asante was invited by the Constitutional Review Committee to share his views on revising Ghana's 1992 Constitution.