Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has accused Ghana’s political leadership of applying inconsistent standards to issues of free speech, arguing that politicians often change their position depending on whether they are in power or in opposition.
Speaking on TV3, he said the behaviour reflects a pattern of political hypocrisy that undermines public trust in democratic governance.
He explained that many political actors who previously defended strong criticism, including insults and protest expressions, now appear uncomfortable with similar conduct once they assume office.
“The hypocrisy is becoming too much,” he said, insisting that reactions to political speech are often driven more by convenience than principle.
Kpebu noted that satire and politically charged expression have long been part of Ghana’s democratic experience, especially in student politics and public demonstrations.
He recalled that in earlier political periods, offensive songs and verbal attacks against leaders were common in public spaces without leading to arrests or official crackdowns.
According to him, the current trend of selective outrage suggests a shift where tolerance for dissent depends on political advantage.
“When they were in opposition, they defended these things,” he said, adding that the same behaviours are now being treated as criminal when the political tables turn.
Kpebu stressed that such inconsistencies weaken democratic culture, warning that freedom of expression must be protected consistently regardless of which party holds power.
