Nana Akomea, Chairman of the NPP Communications Committee, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take urgent steps to halt what he describes as a “creeping culture of silence” developing under the current administration.
Speaking on Accra-based Peace FM’s popular Kokrokoo programme on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Nana Akomea argued that in democratic societies, speech that allegedly damages reputations should attract civil rather than criminal remedies, especially following Ghana’s repeal of the criminal libel law.
According to him, while certain colonial-era sedition laws may still provide grounds for criminal prosecution, such laws should only apply in extreme situations where speech poses a grave danger to the state or threatens national or personal security.
He maintained that many of the recent arrests of opposition figures and commentators do not meet the threshold for crimes of sedition.
Nana Akomea cited several cases, including the arrest of Rita Batse, who reportedly criticised the performance of local government officials and raised concerns over the abandonment of a factory project in Hohoe.
He also mentioned the case of David Essandoh, who was allegedly arrested over a Facebook post on dumsor that featured President Mahama’s image.
Other cases he referenced included Alfred Kumi, who petitioned President Mahama regarding the conduct of members of the Justice Torkonoo investigative committee; Ntim Fordjour, who raised concerns over the activities of two aircraft at the airport; and Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, who reportedly spoke about alleged extortion in the award of scholarships.
He further mentioned Wilberforce, a journalist with Asaase Radio, who was allegedly questioned over reportage concerning operations at MIIF.
According to Nana Akomea, none of these comments or actions should warrant criminal prosecution under sedition-related laws.
He also criticised the manner in which some arrests have been carried out, describing them as excessive and intimidating. He claimed that several arrests involved dawn raids on homes, the deployment of heavily armed and masked security personnel, and denial of bail, despite the individuals involved not being violent offenders.
Nana Akomea further argued that some members and operatives of the NDC have made equally damaging public statements without facing similar treatment.
He cited examples, including Zita Okaikoi, whom he said accused the NPP of being responsible for a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of government officials. He also referenced comments allegedly made by Kojo Adu Asare and Joseph Azumah regarding extortion linked to secondary school admissions.
Additionally, he mentioned Anita De-Soso, who allegedly stated that appointments were being sold under President Mahama’s administration, and Fiifi Kwetey, who reportedly accused government officials of cutting deals with persons accused of corruption to avoid prosecution.
Nana Akomea said these developments create the impression of discrimination and selective justice.
He expressed concern that within just over a year of President Mahama’s administration, more than 16 NPP members had allegedly been arrested over public commentary and political expressions.
He, therefore, urged President Mahama to intervene and ensure that democratic freedoms, particularly freedom of expression, are protected in Ghana.
