Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor says some recent arrests over political comments were not sanctioned by the government but were actions taken independently by the police.

Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, August 8, 2026, Dafeamekpor said such arrests reflect negatively on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, even in cases where government had no involvement.

“I am upset by some of these arrests; it hurts the government. Sometimes government doesn't even sanction them; it's the police,” he said.

He urged the government to pay closer attention to the pattern of arrests, arguing that allowing people to speak would not weaken the administration.

He said, “These things don't detract from the government in any way, so they should allow the people to speak. Let's focus on our mandate and deliver.”

Dafeamekpor noted that the government did not want people to be arrested and confined over their comments.

“As a government, we don't want this at all. Arresting people and confining them, it doesn't help us. That is my disclaimer,” he said.

His comments come days after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held its 'Democracy Under Attack' demonstration on Thursday, August 6.

The NPP said the protest was aimed at defending the rule of law, constitutional governance and democratic accountability.

The party has accused the government of political persecution, selective justice and abuse of state institutions, allegations the government has rejected.

Dafeamekpor’s comments indicate that, in some cases, the police may have acted without direct government sanction.