Accra: 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.
According to Ghana Web, Agyarko argues that the arrests signal a dangerous trend that threatens the country's democratic principles under the Fourth Republic. He expressed concern over the systematic arrest and detention of NPP activists for exercising their right to dissent, stating that these actions represent a retreat toward autocracy and an assault on the pillars of the Fourth Republic.
Agyarko referenced constitutional provisions, emphasizing that freedom of expression is guaranteed under Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution and personal liberty under Article 14. He criticized the use of state security agencies against political opponents, warning that such actions could undermine Ghana's democratic progress.
The statement urged state institutions, including the Ghana Police Service, to remain neutral and avoid being used for political purposes. Agyarko also called on the National Peace Council, the clergy, civil society organizations, and the media to speak out to prevent tensions from escalating.
Furthermore, Agyarko urged President John Dramani Mahama and state actors to take immediate steps to address the situation. He called for the immediate release of activists detained for speech-related offenses or for them to be granted a fair and transparent day in court.
Agyarko advocated for the decriminalization of dissent and urged the government to focus on governance challenges instead of targeting critics. He called on the Mahama administration to cease using Section 208 of the Criminal Code to stifle political debate and to redirect its energy toward solving economic challenges.
He concluded by asserting that Ghana's democratic reputation must be protected at all costs, emphasizing that Ghana remains a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa. Several NPP members, including Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe Abronye, have been arrested over allegations of making comments deemed offensive against a judge.