Afenyo-Markin Labels Abronye DC’s Remand as ‘Profound Constitutional Wrong’

Accra: Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has described the remand of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Mr Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, as a 'profound constitutional wrong' that must be condemned without delay. A press release issued by Mr Afenyo-Markin and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Monday, said the ongoing detention of the outspoken NPP figure raises serious concerns about Ghana's constitutional safeguards on bail and free expression. According to Ghana News Agency, the release highlighted the inconsistencies between the general tenure of Act 30 and the constitution. It emphasized that Act 96, which addresses the granting of bail, clearly indicates that the court holds discretion to grant bail to individuals facing criminal charges, under specified conditions. The release criticized the abstention on granting bail in section 97, labeling it as an unnecessary interference with judicial discretion. The release further argued that the legal procee dings against Abronye DC were essentially criminalizing public speech. It stated that the arrest, prosecution, and subsequent remand of a citizen for public statements do not constitute justice but rather prosecution. The statement acknowledged that while the NPP does not support irresponsible speech, it upholds that Ghana's legal framework offers civil remedies for reputational harm instead of criminal prosecution. The release reiterated that public discourse carries responsibility and that the legal system is designed to provide relief for individuals whose reputations are damaged by speech. Abronye DC was initially arrested on Monday, April 13, in connection with investigations into allegations of offensive conduct, false publication, and statements deemed likely to incite fear and panic. He was granted bail while investigations were ongoing but was rearrested as authorities intensified their probe. Subsequently, he was remanded for two weeks on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The NPP has expressed concerns ov er his detention, arguing that it raises constitutional issues regarding due process and the boundaries of free expression in Ghana.