Former Energy Minister and New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairmanship hopeful, Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to redirect the focus of his administration toward addressing the country’s economic challenges rather than targeting political opponents.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Agyarko strongly condemned what he described as the persistent arrest and detention of members of the opposition party for expressing views on key national matters, insisting that such actions undermine democratic freedoms guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution.
According to him, the alleged arrests and detentions constitute a violation of Article 21(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, and go against the spirit of the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law.
Mr. Agyarko argued that the government’s handling of dissent signals a worrying trend that could threaten Ghana’s democratic credentials.
“I have observed with growing concern and deep revulsion the systematic arrest and detention of NPP activists for simply exercising their right to dissent. As a firm believer in the rule of law, I must state clearly that these actions signal a dangerous retreat toward autocracy and a direct assault on the pillars of our Fourth Republic,” portions of the statement read.
The former Energy Minister further urged the Mahama administration to immediately release all individuals detained over speech-related matters or ensure they are granted a fair and transparent hearing in court.
He also criticised what he described as the use of Section 208 of the Criminal Code to suppress political debate, calling on the government to “decriminalize dissent” and instead concentrate efforts on solving the economic hardships confronting Ghanaians.
“I call on President John Mahama and all state actors to ensure all activists detained for speech-related offences are freed or granted a fair and transparent day in court, cease using Section 208 of the Criminal Code to stifle political debate, and redirect energy from chasing critics toward solving the economic challenges that fuel criticism,” he stated.
Mr. Agyarko assured persons affected by such arrests of his unwavering support, promising to pursue all legal avenues necessary to safeguard their constitutional rights.
He further appealed to key institutions and stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service, the National Peace Council, the clergy, and civil society organizations, to intervene and help protect the country’s democratic values.
Mr. Agyarko also urged citizens to guard against intolerance and protect Ghana’s democratic gains, stressing that the country remains a beacon of hope for democracy on the African continent.
