Accra: Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has issued a cautionary note to government appointees, urging them to be cognizant of the recent arrests of activists from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Awuku highlighted the potential for similar repercussions under a prospective administration, emphasizing his concerns over the current political climate.
According to Ghana Web, Awuku expressed his fears during a discussion on UTV, dated August 17, 2026. He articulated his worry for officials of the current government, stressing the possible ramifications they could face due to the ongoing actions against NPP members. Awuku clarified that while he is not suggesting retaliation, the situation raises significant apprehensions about the treatment of government appointees.
Awuku criticized what he perceives as the criminalization of political discourse, warning that using arrests to address political comments and allegations could potentially undermine democratic freedoms. He emphasized the importance of defending freedom of speech and cautioned against allowing individuals to believe it is not worth protecting.
Further elaborating, Awuku argued that the focus should be on addressing allegations with facts rather than arrests, and he called for a more constructive approach to political discourse. He asserted that the development should be a concern for anyone who values democracy, advocating for a culture where allegations are met with factual challenges instead of punitive measures.
The Akuapem North MP reaffirmed the NPP's commitment to accountability and encouraged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to uphold the same standards. He noted that the NPP is prepared to face scrutiny and advised that the NDC should similarly embrace accountability.
Awuku also voiced apprehension over the conduct of some NDC members in state institutions, noting that even colleagues within these entities express discomfort with certain behaviors. He highlighted the potential for administrative decisions to be criminalized by future governments, stressing the need for cautious governance.