Journalist and aspiring Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party, Gordon Asare-Bediako, has accused the government of President John Dramani Mahama of using intimidation and politically-motivated arrests to silence opposition voices.

Speaking on AsaasePa 107.3 FM’s Atumpan programme on Friday, May 15 2026, Asare-Bediako expressed concern over what he described as increasing pressure on individuals linked to the opposition, amid recent arrests and police investigations involving some NPP figures.

“It’s scary… Rambo-style arrests grabbing opposition voices. What do you want to gain? It doesn’t make sense,” he said.

The outspoken journalist did not hold back in his criticism of the current administration, accusing President Mahama of adopting what he believes are authoritarian tendencies.

“President Mahama is behaving like a tyrant… Ghana has not been gifted to him. He is not a known quantity,” he added.

His comments come at a time of heightened political tensions following the detention and investigation of some opposition-linked personalities, including former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.

Political commentator Baba Amando has also reportedly come under police scrutiny, although security authorities have yet to publicly provide detailed information on all ongoing cases.

Asare-Bediako further claimed that voices that once openly criticised governments, including Civil Society Organisations and some religious leaders, have now become unusually quiet.

“If it were Akufo-Addo’s era, we would hear people, CSOs, the clergy roaring and condemning him. They are now silent because they have been muzzled,” he said.

Despite his criticism, he clarified that while the NPP leadership continues to support its members, the party does not necessarily endorse reckless public comments.

“I thank the NPP leadership for the unwavering support. That doesn’t mean the party supports unguarded statements from its members, but we are not scared; they can’t suppress us,” Asare-Bediako stated.

NA/AE