The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo has asserted that freedom of speech must have constraints, emphasising that no nation permits unrestricted speech.
The NPA chief contended that even the most developed democracies impose regulations on speech in specific circumstances.
“Speech has limits everywhere,” he stated.
He noted that individuals frequently misuse the term “free speech” without recognising that constitutional rights are exercised within established boundaries.
The NPA CEO cited legal frameworks in nations such as the United States and China to bolster his position.
“In the United States, there are laws against certain forms of speech. Democracies all over the world place limits on speech,” he said.
Edudzi Tameklo also mentioned previous legal disputes in Ghana concerning criminal libel and media freedom, indicating that Ghana’s judiciary has previously determined that unrestricted speech can pose risks.
He clarified that the Constitution itself acknowledges restrictions on rights and freedoms.
“The Constitution says rights are enjoyed within acceptable limits,” he stressed.
He argued that public figures and political activists ought to learn to articulate their views responsibly rather than resorting to the notion of free speech when faced with controversy.
“I respect myself when I speak publicly. You can criticise without crossing certain lines,” he added.
