The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for the immediate release of its member, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, following his arrest by officers of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the airport.
According to a statement signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, EOCO officers, assisted by immigration officials, arrested Aboagye and took him into custody. The party claims that since the arrest, his lawyers have been denied access to him, his whereabouts have not been disclosed, and no formal charges have been filed.
The NPP described the incident as an act of intimidation rather than legitimate law enforcement.
The party noted that Aboagye has been one of the government’s outspoken critics, raising concerns over illegal mining (galamsey), questioning the administration’s performance, and recently announcing his intention to contest for a leadership position within the NPP.
According to the statement, the timing of the arrest has heightened concerns that the action may have been politically motivated.
The NPP has therefore issued three key demands to EOCO and the government:
That Dennis Miracles Aboagye be released immediately or, if there is evidence of wrongdoing, be formally charged and brought before a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the 1992 Constitution.
That he be granted unrestricted access to his lawyers and family without further delay, citing Article 14(2) of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights of persons in detention.
That the government halt what the party describes as a pattern of politically motivated invitations, arrests and detentions targeting members of the New Patriotic Party.
The statement further cautioned against the alleged use of state institutions for partisan purposes, stressing that public institutions must operate independently and within the confines of the law.
“Ghanaians are watching, and Ghana’s institutions will outlive this government,” the statement said.
The NPP also appealed to its supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and united while the matter is addressed through the appropriate legal processes.
The statement concluded by insisting that political intimidation would not silence the party, reaffirming its commitment to defending the constitutional rights of its members.
As of the time of publication, EOCO had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the NPP’s statement, and the reasons for Dennis Miracles Aboagye’s arrest had not been officially disclosed.
