A former Minister of Energy and aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, has condemned what he describes as the arrest and detention of party activists for expressing dissenting views.

In a statement dated May 23, 2026, he said the actions against the activists undermine Ghana’s democratic gains and amount to an abuse of state power.

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He argued that the arrests signal a dangerous trend that threatens the country’s democratic principles under the Fourth Republic.

“I have observed with growing concern and deep revulsion the systematic arrest and detention of New Patriotic Party (NPP) activists, for simply exercising their right to dissent. As a firm believer in the rule of law, I must state clearly that these actions signal a dangerous retreat toward autocracy and a direct assault on the pillars of our Fourth Republic,” he stated.

Boakye Agyarko referenced constitutional provisions, stressing that freedom of expression is guaranteed under Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution and personal liberty under Article 14.

He further criticised the use of state security agencies against political opponents, warning that it could undermine Ghana’s democratic progress.

“The 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression as provided by Article 21 (1) (a). The historic repeal of the Criminal Libel Law was intended to permanently bury the ‘culture of silence’. To weaponize the state security apparatus against political opponents for their opinions is a violation of personal liberty provided by Article 14 of the Constitution, and an affront to our national progress,” he said.

He urged state institutions, including the Ghana Police Service, to remain neutral and avoid being used for political purposes.

“The Ghana Police Service must remain an institution of the Republic, dedicated to public order rather than political suppression,” he wrote.

Boakye Agyarko also called on the National Peace Council, the clergy, civil society organisations, and the media to speak out to prevent tensions from escalating.

He further urged President John Dramani Mahama and state actors to take immediate steps to address the situation.

“To foster enduring peace and good governance, I call on President John Mahama and all state actors to ensure the following: immediate release of all activists detained for speech-related ‘offenses’ or grant them a fair and transparent day in court,” he called.

He also called for the decriminalisation of dissent and urged the government to focus on governance challenges instead of targeting critics.

“The government must cease using Section 208 of the Criminal Code to stifle political debate. The Mahama administration should redirect its energy from chasing critics toward solving the economic challenges that fuel such criticisms,” he added.

He concluded that Ghana’s democratic reputation must be protected at all costs.

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“Ghana remains a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa. We must not allow intolerance to dim that light. We remain vigilant, we remain vocal, and we shall protect our democracy at all costs. Long live the NPP! Long live Ghana!” he concluded.

Several members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including the Bono Regional Chairman of the party, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, have been arrested by security agencies over allegations of making comments deemed offensive against a judge.



MAG/VPO

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