Media practitioner Gayheart Mensah has asserted that security agencies in the country lack the authority to arrest individuals for spreading fake news.
He emphasized that it is the National Media Commission's (NMC) responsibility, according to the constitution, to handle cases involving the dissemination of fake news.
Mensah argued that when security agencies arrest people for fake news, it infringes on their right to freedom of expression, which needs to be protected.
He also pointed out that the politicization of security agencies has led to arrests being made for political gain.
"The security agencies have no right to arrest anyone for fake news. They don't because fake news is an exercise in free expression, and arresting someone for it infringes on our constitutional freedom. There are established processes and institutions, like the National Media Commission (NMC), to handle such matters.
"So, if you encounter news that you believe is unfair, report it to the NMC. Remember, the security agencies in this country have become agents of the government. For instance, a minister might call the IGP to complain about fake news, leading to an arrest. I'm not saying people shouldn't be sanctioned, but it should follow the proper procedures," he stated in a video shared by Marigyata on Instagram.
Watch the video below:
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