Richard Ahiagbah, Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has condemned what he describes as a “targeted campaign by the government to intimidate and silence opposition voices.”
His sharp rebuke follows a security operation at the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman’s residence.
Ahiagbah warned that such actions pose a grave threat to Ghana’s democratic fabric and are ultimately doomed to fail.
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The controversy erupted after a joint team of National Security operatives and Police officers conducted a raid on Friday, May 23rd, at the home of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Attack on opposition voices
In an interview with Joy News later that day, a visibly concerned Ahiagbah criticized the operation. He implored the government to “respect democratic principles and uphold due process,” stressing that attempts to cow the opposition into submission would not succeed.
The NPP Communications Director’s strong words signal escalating political tensions and raise serious questions about the methods employed by state security agencies. The government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the operation at Chairman Wontumi’s residence.
“Anybody who is behaving anyhow and wants to prioritise their politics ahead of this democracy is not a friend of this state. The government must take note that this Fourth Republic belongs to the people. It is our legacy and our inheritance for our children,” he said.
While acknowledging the right of the state to invite individuals for questioning, Ahiagbah stressed that it must be done lawfully and without abuse of power.
“I do not have a problem with whosoever you want to invite, but do so appropriately. What they are trying to do is silence us in the political space, but that is not going to work,” he added.
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Security officers reportedly surrounded Chairman Wontumi’s home early Friday morning, though the reasons for the operation remain unclear.
Chairman Wontumi has since accused President John Dramani Mahama’s administration of political persecution, claiming that his businesses and financial assets have been deliberately targeted since Mahama returned to power.