Social media not above law, be careful with misinformation – Justice Ackaah-Boafo

Supreme Court nominee Justice Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo has underscored the need for responsible use of free speech, particularly in this current digital era.

However, he cautioned against the growing trend of online abuse, including cyberbullying, misinformation, and character attacks on social platforms in Ghana.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, June 20, Justice Ackaah-Boafo reaffirmed his support for the constitutional right to free expression, but stressed that this freedom must not become a tool for harm or defamation.

His remarks come after a petition challenging his nomination was dismissed, clearing the way for his vetting.

During the session, Justice Ackaah-Boafo highlighted the weight of public expression, warning that the power of digital communication must be wielded with care.

He advised the public that Ghana’s libel and defamation laws remain fully applicable to social media content.

Justice Ackaah-Boafo said, “I think in an earlier question, I quoted Lord Denny in British Steel Corporation. You know, I think free speech is not cheap. People should have the right to express themselves. But in expressing yourself, you should not be an avenue to abuse people and to be fair people. We should recognize that online abuse is more serious than the old traditional way, because whatever you write here could be read in Australia or anywhere, they will read it there, and it may be online. It will never go. If we want to allow people to have free speech. There must be responsibility attached to it. And so I believe in free speech, but free speech must be with some responsibility.”

“I would say that social media has not done away with our old talk libel laws. They are so applicable. So that if you choose to go contrary to the law on social media. Libel laws are still applicable. Let’s be very careful about what you put on social media. If you go contrary that and somebody got to sue you, we are going to hear that.”