The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a strong statement condemning the recent arrest and subsequent remand of its Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, also known as 'Abronye'.

The party asserts that the arrest, reportedly for insulting the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohunu, is part of a growing pattern of politically motivated intimidation and harassment against its members.

In a press release dated September 10, 2025, and signed by the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the party described the situation as ‘disturbing’.

Abronye remanded into police custody

It claimed that the development is the latest example of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government using state security to silence dissenting voices.

The party criticised the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, for allegedly losing focus after just eight months in office.

“The nation, under John Mahama’s presidency, is essentially witnessing the resurrection of the dreaded culture of silence and criminalisation of speech which was murdered in 2001,” the statement partly stated.

According to the NPP, the government has ‘weaponised the state security’ not to combat issues like illegal mining (galamsey) or to address the rising insecurity in the country, but rather to persecute opposition members.

The statement referenced recent communal clashes in Bawku, Nkwanta, and Gbenyiri in the Savanna Region, which have reportedly resulted in 32 deaths and displaced over 50,000 Ghanaians, arguing that the government has failed to channel its resources to restore calm where it is needed, but instead persecuted political opponents.

The NPP accused the police and national security of selective justice, stating that they are more interested in arresting NPP social media activists for making ‘unpalatable or controversial statements’ while overlooking similar or worse comments made by NDC members.

The party warned that the nation is witnessing the ‘resurrection of the dreaded culture of silence and criminalisation of speech’ under President Mahama's presidency.

The arrest of Kwame Baffoe, alias 'Abronye', has ignited a political firestorm, with the NPP terming the incident as a violation of free speech.

Baffoe is a prominent figure within the party and is known for his outspoken nature and strong criticisms of the NDC government.

The NPP's statement suggests that the government is targeting individuals who are critical of its administration, creating a climate of fear and discouraging public discourse.

The party's reference to a ‘culture of silence’ dates back to previous political eras, suggesting a return to what they view as an authoritarian style of governance.

The statement implies that the law is being used as a tool to stifle opposition, rather than to ensure justice for all citizens.

Police provide reason for Abronye’s arrest

Read the statement below:



MRA/VPO

Will Ghana pass the Anti-Witchcraft Bill? Find out in the latest episode of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV in this conversation with Amnesty International: