Ghana Election 2016: I stand by Social Media ban – IGP

Ghana's Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor during a tour of the Eastern region, has reiterated his earlier call, that even though no decision has been taken yet, he stands by a ban on social media during the 2016 general elections. He said it would be a way to counter the activities of potential ‘troublemakers’ who might disrupt the election process using the various Social media platforms. The Police administration had earlier hinted in June this year that it was considering shutting down all social media services in Ghana on Election Day.

The IGP’s comments generated widespread criticism and condemnation from the general public and various civil society organizations who felt such an action would represent suppression of freedom of speech.

The Police administration through its Director of Communications at the Police Service, Cephas Arthur later backtracked saying the IGP made the comments on the spur of the moment and that there were no plans in place to ban social media on November 7.

According to the IGP, he will ensure an eight-hour ban on social media during the general elections to ensure peaceful election if the need arises.

“Social media is used to churn out untruths and half-baked truths and finally lies...we as the Police will not sit down for this to happen, we shall recommend that the Social Media is banned for the seven or eight hours that the election will take place after all it is nothing but Ghana first and I still stand by that,” the IGP said.