Boakye Agyarko
A leading aspirant for the National Chairman position of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko, has strongly condemned what he describes as the “systematic arrest and detention” of NPP activists for expressing dissenting political views, warning that the development poses a threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials.
In a strongly-worded statement, Mr Agyarko said the growing trend of arresting political activists over speech-related matters signals “a dangerous retreat toward autocracy” and undermines the principles underpinning Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
According to him, the 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Article 21(1)(a), stressing that the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law was intended to permanently end what he described as the country’s “culture of silence.”
“The weaponization of state security apparatus against political opponents for their opinions is a violation of personal liberty and an affront to our national progress,” he stated.
The former Energy Minister argued that governments in democratic states must respond to criticism through “superior arguments and demonstrable facts” rather than intimidation or arrests.
Call for Intervention
Mr Agyarko further called on key national institutions, including the Ghana Police Service, the National Peace Council, the clergy, civil society organisations and the media, to intervene and safeguard Ghana’s democratic freedoms.
He urged the Police Service to remain neutral and committed to public order instead of becoming an instrument for political suppression.
“The National Peace Council and the Clergy must speak before the political climate reaches a volatile boiling point,” he cautioned.
The NPP stalwart also assured party activists facing arrests or intimidation that they were not alone, pledging that the party would pursue every lawful means to protect their constitutional rights.
Demands
As part of his recommendations to government, Mr Agyarko called for the immediate release of all persons detained for speech-related offences or, alternatively, that they be granted fair and transparent trials.
He also urged the Mahama administration to discontinue the use of Section 208 of the Criminal Code in matters relating to political expression and dissent.
Mr Agyarko further advised government to focus on addressing the country’s economic challenges rather than targeting critics.
“Ghana remains a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa. We must not allow intolerance to dim that light,” he stated.
