The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the government of increasing intolerance and violating the rights of Ghanaians through alleged arbitrary arrests and detentions.
Addressing a news conference in Accra on Wednesday, the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, said the current administration led by John Dramani Mahama is fostering a culture of fear by targeting critics instead of addressing pressing national issues.
Mr. Kodua claimed that since 2025, there has been a pattern of harassment, arrests, and detention of individuals, particularly members of the NPP, under what he described as questionable circumstances. He noted that although the party initially exercised restraint, the situation has since worsened.
He argued that the actions of the government contravene provisions of the 1992 Constitution, particularly those guaranteeing freedom of speech and expression, stressing that such rights are fundamental and not subject to government discretion.
“We are witnessing a calculated attempt to drag Ghana back into a culture of silence, where critics are singled out, arrested, and hurriedly taken before the courts,” he said.
The NPP further alleged selective law enforcement, accusing the Inspector-General of Police of failing to act impartially. According to Mr. Kodua, individuals affiliated with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) are allowed to make critical remarks without consequence, while opponents of the government face arrest.
He also raised concerns about the judiciary, suggesting that some judges are contributing to what he described as intimidation by frequently remanding government critics.
Citing a specific case, Mr. Kodua said details would be provided on the alleged arrest and detention of a party communications officer in Sunyani East, who was reportedly picked up without being informed of the reason.
He contrasted the current situation with the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, stating that despite facing criticism from the then opposition, their administration upheld democratic principles and freedom of expression.
Mr. Kodua also accused the government of failing to deliver on key campaign promises, including job creation and improved living conditions, and alleged that attempts to silence critics were being used as a diversion from these shortcomings.
He called on the media, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to speak out against what he described as growing threats to democracy, warning that political power is temporary and that accountability would ultimately prevail.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
