The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the arrest of Mr. Abubakar Yakubu, the Sunyani East Constituency Communications Officer popularly known as Baba Amando, describing the action as unwarranted and troubling for Ghana’s democratic credentials.
According to the Party, Mr. Yakubu, accompanied by his lawyer, Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, a former Deputy Attorney-General, responded to an invitation from the Ghana Police Service at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters at about 10:00 a.m. on Monday.
However, upon arrival, they were informed by officers at the command that there was no record of such an invitation, despite earlier communication directing him to report there.
The Party further explained that follow-up engagement with the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra indicated that Mr. Yakubu was in fact required in the capital.
The CID in Accra allegedly instructed the Bono Regional Police CID to arrest him and facilitate his transfer to Accra, where he is currently being held.
The NPP has described the development as deeply concerning, alleging that it reflects the growing use of state security institutions to intimidate and silence dissenting voices under the administration of President John Mahama. The Party argued that the incident raises serious questions about the protection of free speech and civil liberties in the country.
It further claimed the arrest forms part of a broader diversionary effort to shift public attention away from pressing national challenges, including debates over LGBT issues, concerns about the “1-3-3” policy formula, rising cost of living, increasing fuel prices, higher utility tariffs, and what it describes as government shortcomings in delivering key policy promises.
The NPP has therefore called on Ghanaians to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to undermine democratic freedoms. It also urged relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law, ensure due process, and protect the fundamental rights of all citizens.
