Selective Application of Section 208 Raises Concerns, Says Julius Ackaah Gabriel

Accra: by DeStory News

Social commentator, Julius Ackaah Gabriel, has raised concerns over what he describes as the selective application of Section 208 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Section 208 criminalizes the publication or reproduction of any statement, rumor, or report likely to cause fear, alarm, or disturb public peace, where the person knows or has reason to believe the information is false.

In a Facebook post, Gabriel stated that while in opposition, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for the arbitrary application of the law. He noted that during the eight-year administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, about 12 such cases were reportedly recorded.

Gabriel added that under the current administration of President John Dramani Mahama, nearly eight similar cases have been recorded in less than two years, and the number appears to be rising.

He argued that it is difficult to justify the current actions by pointing to what occurred under the previous NPP administration. Gabriel further called for prayers for leaders at the seat of government to act rightly in office.

These remarks reflect Gabriel’s personal view and have not been independently verified by this publication.