Gayheart Mensah, a seasoned media practitioner, has passionately argued that the country’s security forces are exceeding their authority by apprehending individuals for spreading misinformation.
He vehemently stresses that the National Media Commission (NMC) is the constitutionally designated body to address such cases, not security agencies.
Mensah’s primary concern is that arresting individuals for fake news constitutes a blatant infringement upon their fundamental right to free expression, which is essential to a healthy democracy.
He also highlights the alarming trend of security agencies being politicized, leading to arrests motivated by political expediency rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
In a video shared on Instagram, Mensah eloquently emphasized that fake news, though misleading, falls under the umbrella of free expression, and arresting individuals for it violates constitutional freedoms.
He urges citizens to report unfair news to the NMC, underscoring the security agencies’ transformation into government agents, susceptible to political manipulation.
Mensah cautions that while sanctions are necessary to maintain accountability, they must follow due process and adhere to established procedures.
He illustrates this point by citing instances where government officials, such as ministers, wield their influence to compel security agencies to effect arrests for political gain, rather than allowing the NMC to handle such matters as mandated by the constitution.
