The Vice-Dean of the School for development studies at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Kwadwo Tuffour, has described freedom of speech and expression as elements of humanity that are necessary for life.
He explains freedom of speech as utterance, voicing out, pronunciation, participation, dissemination, circulation, and communication, adding that freedom of expression allows the individual to show their personality, ideas, and preferences.
To him, the expression does not only mean being able to speak well but includes also peaceful demonstrations, picketing, and the arts, among others, and was a right, something that the law allows every individual to enjoy.
Dr. Kwadwo Tuffour was speaking at this year’s celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2023 organized by the US Embassy in Ghana in partnership with the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and the Ghana Journalist Association in the Central Region held at the University of Cape Coast.
He stated that the ability to speak out and express one’s self adequately is a source of life, equating its absence to inner death.
“The ability to express ourselves is innate and natural, and we can’t do away with it. So, rights are claims that people regardless of their status or cultural background are entitled to” he continued.
Dr. Tuffour, therefore, said it is important to allow individuals to exercise their freedom of speech and expression without fear or threat, which included participatory nation-building.
“…if the moment you cannot speak up your mind or express yourself about something then it means you are being killed innately… Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental human right enshrined in various international human rights instruments.”
Explaining the United Nations’1966 definition of human rights he said, human rights as those rights which are inherent in human nature, and without them, we cannot live as human beings.
He added that freedom of speech is one of them and freedom to express yourself is also very cardinal and freedom of speech is the basis of all rights.
Read also: Ghana is not the only country with a challenged press freedom – Press Attaché US Embassy, Ghana
Source: Sandra Arko Dadzie/ATLFMNEWS
