Human rights lawyer and activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has called for the exclusion of the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) from arrests involving speech offences, arguing that such actions risk undermining public trust in government.

In a Facebook post on Friday, May 22, 2026, reacting to the arrest of a female TikToker over alleged threats to President John Dramani Mahama, he said it may appear attractive for governments to arrest individuals whose statements are considered provocative, but warned that such actions can eventually damage public goodwill.

Young woman arrested for threatening President Mahama

“Prevent the BNI from being involved in the arrest of people for speech offences. Why on earth is the BNI chasing misdemeanor offences. It confirms political persecution, whether or not you agree, or intended to,” he wrote.

According to him, repeated arrests over speech-related issues can create the impression of political persecution, even when authorities believe the actions are justified.

“It may seem attractive to arrest anyone who makes statements you deem provocative when you are in power. In the end, it begins to undermine your good will,” he said.

Barker-Vormawor added that governments that respond to emotional pressure in handling such cases risk losing public confidence over time.

“Any government that falls prey to every emotional bait will soon lose the people’s good will,” he stated.

He proposed that law enforcement agencies should be guided by clearer rules to prevent arbitrary arrests over speech-related matters.

Barker-Vormawor suggested that the Police should seek approval from the Attorney General before making arrests in viral speech cases, arguing that such a system would reduce backlash and improve accountability.

“Put in place a system that requires the Police to seek direct Attorney General approval for the arrest of viral speech offences; because clearly the Police act without legal advice; and without any of the political costs that follow from backlash,” he noted.

He further called for reforms in arrest procedures, including greater use of criminal summons instead of arrests for non-violent offences, saying suspects should only be arrested if they fail to appear in court.

“Put in place an Arrest and Bail Guidance, that mandates police enquiry bail for every single misdemeanor. In fact avoid police arrests as much as possible for non-violent offences; people should be summoned by a criminal summons directly in Court. It is only after they fail to appear on the summons that a bench warrant should be obtained,” he proposed.

According to him, such reforms would align Ghana’s system with best practices used in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, where structured guidelines exist to regulate law enforcement conduct.

He warned that failure to reform arrest practices could lead to long-term political consequences for governments, stressing that power must always be checked to avoid abuse.

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“Government must not always be caught defending bad news. When you lose the public goodwill, it is hard to regain it back. The police lose nothing. They will always be in Government. The next suckers will be elected and go right back to business defending the police. They learn nothing, you pay the price,” he said.

“I saw this happen with the first Mahama administration; I saw this happen in Nana Addo’s second term; and I am seeing signs that displease me now. Power is hubris; you need men of integrity to check power’s worse impulses,” he said.



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