Former Executive Vice President of Unilever Ghana and Nigeria, Yaw Nsarkoh, has questioned the state’s approach to alleged speech offences, arguing that the apparent urgency in pursuing people over social media posts contrasts with its continued struggle to contain illegal mining.
He challenged the authorities to justify the use of state power against individuals over online expressions while galamsey continues to threaten water bodies, forest reserves and livelihoods across the country.
Speaking at a JoyNews and An Amalgam of Professionals event in Accra on Tuesday, October 20, Mr Nsarkoh criticised what he described as the state’s misplaced priorities in addressing the country’s pressing governance challenges.
He said the authorities appeared unable to stop illegal mining but were willing to direct significant attention towards people who make controversial comments on social media.
“But what is happening when the state which cannot contain illegal miners, Galamsey, now turns its full aggression on people who make one impolitic post on Facebook?” he asked.
Mr Nsarkoh also expressed concern about what he described as the loose application of serious criminal charges in response to public comments.
“How can we rationalise these sometimes very loose uses of serious charges like treason?” he questioned.
His comments formed part of a broader critique of Ghana’s governance system, which he said appeared unable to address major threats to the country while becoming increasingly aggressive towards certain forms of public expression.
Mr Nsarkoh acknowledged the need for discipline in society and said reckless defamatory statements should be discouraged. However, he argued that such efforts must not undermine legitimate criticism or distract the state from more pressing national challenges.
“I am all for discipline in society and the discouragement of reckless defamatory talk. Democracy is not the same as disorder,” he said.
He warned that citizens’ legitimate concerns risk being ignored when the state focuses on punishing controversial expressions while failing to address problems such as illegal mining.
The former corporate executive further cautioned against a situation in which people become afraid to criticise those in authority, arguing that institutions that do not accommodate feedback and critical scrutiny risk stagnation.
Mr Nsarkoh’s remarks come amid wider national debates over the limits of freedom of expression, the handling of alleged offensive or unlawful speech, and the state’s response to illegal mining.
He urged a governance approach that balances lawful accountability with the protection of legitimate criticism and a stronger commitment to addressing the country’s persistent environmental and social challenges.