Former Energy Minister and New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart, Hon. Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko, has strongly condemned what he describes as the “systematic arrest and detention” of NPP activists, accusing state authorities of targeting individuals for merely expressing dissenting political views.
In a press statement, Mr. Agyarko expressed “growing concern and deep revulsion” over recent developments, warning that such actions, if unchecked, could signal a dangerous drift toward authoritarian governance and undermine the democratic gains of Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
He argued that the 1992 Constitution explicitly guarantees freedom of expression under Article 21(1)(a), and stressed that the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law was intended to permanently end what he described as the “culture of silence” in Ghana’s political space.
According to him, any attempt to use state security agencies to intimidate or detain political opponents over their opinions amounts to a violation of personal liberty as enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal freedom.
“A confident government does not use handcuffs to answer its critics; it responds with superior arguments and verifiable facts,” he stated, adding that the current approach undermines national progress and democratic maturity.
Mr. Agyarko who is aspiring to be the national chairman of NPP urged key state institutions and civil society actors to intervene to prevent what he sees as a deterioration in Ghana’s democratic culture.
He specifically called on the Ghana Police Service to uphold its constitutional mandate of maintaining public order rather than being used as an instrument of political suppression.
He also appealed to the National Peace Council, the clergy, civil society organisations, and the media to speak out, warning that silence could allow the situation to escalate into a more volatile political climate.
“If we allow one voice to be silenced today, we invite the muzzle of censorship for every citizen tomorrow,” he cautioned.
Addressing detained party supporters, the former minister assured them of solidarity and support, insisting that legal channels would be pursued to protect their rights.
“To all our courageous activists, you are not alone. We stand with you in this difficult hour,” he said.
Mr. Agyarko also made a direct appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and his administration, outlining three key demands aimed at safeguarding democratic freedoms and improving governance.
He called for the immediate release of all individuals detained over what he termed “speech-related offences,” or alternatively, that they be granted fair and transparent trials.
He further urged the government to stop using provisions such as Section 208 of the Criminal Code to criminalise political debate, describing it as a tool that stifles democratic engagement.
Finally, he encouraged the administration to shift its focus from pursuing political critics to addressing the country’s pressing economic challenges, which he argued are often the root causes of public dissatisfaction and criticism.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, Mr. Agyarko described Ghana as “a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa,” cautioning that intolerance and repression could erode that reputation.
“We remain vigilant, we remain vocal, and we shall protect our democracy at all costs,” he concluded, ending with a rallying call for the opposition party and national unity.
The statement adds to ongoing political discourse over the balance between national security, free speech, and political tolerance in Ghana’s evolving democratic landscape.
By 1960news.com
