The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the arrest of its Sunyani East Constituency Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, describing the development as troubling and a threat to Ghana’s democratic principles.
In a statement issued on April 13, 2026, and signed by National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, the party said the arrest raises serious concerns about free speech and the alleged abuse of state power.
According to the NPP, Yakubu, accompanied by his lawyer Alfred Tuah Yeboah, honoured an invitation from the Ghana Police Service at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters around 10:00 a.m. on Monday.
However, upon arrival, officers at the command reportedly indicated they had no knowledge of such an invitation. The statement said further engagement with the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra later revealed that Yakubu was instead required in the capital.
The NPP said the CID in Accra subsequently instructed the Bono Regional Police CID to arrest Yakubu and facilitate his transfer to Accra. He has since been taken into custody and is being transported to the capital.
The party criticised the sequence of events, describing it as “unwarranted” and indicative of what it claims is a growing trend of using state security agencies to intimidate dissenting voices under the administration of President John Mahama.
“The Party is particularly concerned that this action raises serious questions about the state of free speech and civil liberties in the country,” the statement said.
The NPP further alleged that the arrest could be a diversionary tactic aimed at shifting public attention from pressing national issues, including the rising cost of living, fuel prices, utility tariffs, and other policy concerns.
It called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to undermine democratic freedoms, while urging authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect due process, and protect the rights of all citizens.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
