Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has criticised the Ghana Police Service for arresting a man accused of spreading false allegations against three regional ministers, arguing that the action represents a misuse of the country’s laws on “false publication.”
His comments follow an official statement from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) announcing the arrest of Wendell Nana Yaw Yeboah.
According to the CID, the arrest was made “following a petition for investigation received… submitted by Mr. Daniel Sasu Omari and two others on behalf of the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regional Ministers.”
The police added that the suspect “is in custody and will be put before the court tomorrow, Thursday, 27th November 2025.”
Reacting to the development, Manasseh questioned why the police would take up what he sees as a civil grievance that should be addressed in court by the complainants themselves.
“Another person has been arrested for allegedly making false claims against the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western regional ministers. If the ministers feel defamed, they should sue the person who made the false claim. Why is the police involved?”
“They often claim the arrest is to *‘assist investigation.’* If that were the case, why did you put him in custody and want to put him before the court? Is that your investigation?”
Manasseh argued that the heavy involvement of state security agencies becomes even more problematic when the complainants are government officials.
“When the complainants are ministers of state, as in this case, we cannot extricate the government from the abuse of the law on publishing false news.”
He further suggested that the arrest contradicts the reputation of President John Dramani Mahama, who is widely regarded as tolerant of dissent and criticism.
“This does not mirror the character of President John Dramani Mahama, whose tolerance for free speech is well known. He must act on this, or it means he endorses it.”
Calling for systemic reform, Manasseh urged the Attorney-General to eliminate the law being invoked in such cases.
“The Attorney-General should take steps to repeal this law, which is being abused and used like the Criminal Libel Law that President Kufuor repealed.”
