UN averse to restricting freedom of expression – Ibn Chambas

Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWA), has said the UN is “averse to any steps to restrict” Ghana’s “democratic space” through banning social media.

“I should say without hesitation that from a UN point of view, we would be obviously averse to any steps that will amount to restricting the democratic space particularly any steps that will be taken to restrict the freedom of expression,” Chambas said.

“For good or bad, a total ban would obviously not be something the UN would encourage,” he added.

The IGP, John Kudalor, maintained in a defiant response to critics that his comments were made from a security point of view, adding that no one can stop him if he wants to [block social media].

“I don’t want to use some words, I think everybody has his opinion, everybody is entitled to his opinion, I’m talking as a security person, and I know where I’m coming from and I know what has happened, Kudalor was quoted by Classfmonline as saying.

“The world is now a global village and we have to compare with best practices, so, I don’t see what they are talking about. If it gets to the crunch… I think there is nothing that can stop anybody from going that way if it’s necessary,” he added.