Former Energy Minister Boakye Kyere Mateng Agyarko has criticised the arrest and detention of some New Patriotic Party (NPP) activists, describing the development as a threat to democratic governance and freedom of expression.
In a statement issued on 23 May 2026, Mr Agyarko said he was concerned about what he described as the “systematic arrest and detention” of party activists for expressing dissenting views.
He argued that the arrests signalled “a dangerous retreat toward autocracy” and undermined the principles of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
Mr Agyarko cited Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, and referenced the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law as a safeguard against what he called a “culture of silence”.
“To weaponize the state security apparatus against political opponents for their opinions is a violation of personal liberty,” he said.
The former minister also urged state institutions, civil society organisations and religious leaders to intervene to prevent rising political tensions.
He said the Ghana Police Service must remain committed to public order and avoid being used for political suppression.
“The National Peace Council and the Clergy must speak before the political climate reaches a volatile boiling point,” he stated.
Mr Agyarko further called on the media and civil society groups to defend democratic freedoms and resist attempts to silence opposing voices.
In his statement, he appealed to President John Mahama and state authorities to ensure the immediate release of persons detained over speech-related offences or grant them fair and transparent hearings in court.
He also called for what he described as the “decriminalisation of dissent”, urging the government to stop using Section 208 of the Criminal Code to suppress political debate.
Mr Agyarko said the government should focus on addressing economic challenges rather than pursuing critics.
“Ghana remains a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa. We must not allow intolerance to dim that light,” he said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
