Contrary to an earlier proposal by the Inspector General Police (IGP), John Kudalor, of a possible social media ban during the December 7 general elections, the government says it will not block social media on the day.
According to Interior Minister, Prosper Bani, the IGP’s report was taken out of context.
“I would like to emphasise that as of today, and within the context of the upcoming elections, neither the government nor any of the security agencies has plans to disrupt social media during this year’s election,†he said.
Mr Kudalor, about two months ago, incurred public wrath when he announced the police might consider a social media ban on December 7 to ensure peaceful elections.
“At one stage I said that if it becomes critical on the eve and also on the election day, we shall block all social media as other countries have done. We’re thinking about it†he said.
But speaking to a joint high-level delegation from the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Bani said he had had “the occasion to clarify with the IGP on his out-of-context report on social media.â€
Meanwhile, the special representative of the United Nations secretary general for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWA), Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has said the UN would not endorse any attempts to ban social media in Ghana during elections.