National Organiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has vowed that the party will resist what it describes as growing attempts to silence free speech in the country.
He warned that the party will defend the rights of dissenting voices at all costs.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, Nana B reacted strongly to the arrest and prosecution of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, over comments he allegedly made about a judge.
Also read: NPP to stage ‘mammoth demonstration’ over Abronye DC’s arrest and detention – Nana B
According to Nana B, the circumstances surrounding Abronye DC’s arrest raise serious concerns about freedom of expression and political intimidation under the current administration led by President John Dramani Mahama.
“We won’t be intimidated. We will defend free speech,” Nana B declared, stressing that the NPP would not remain silent while political opponents are targeted.
He revealed that the party had been informed that Abronye DC was taken to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), formerly known as the BNI, for interrogation before being formally charged with offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace.
Nana B argued that the charge is a misdemeanour and questioned why such a case was being handled with what he described as excessive force.
He also accused some members of the judiciary of acting in ways that appear to support efforts to suppress dissent.
“I am not saying all judges, but some judges seem to be doing the bidding of political elements who seek to stifle free speech,” he said.
The NPP National Organiser announced that the party is preparing a series of protest actions, including what he described as a ‘mammoth demonstration,’ to register its opposition to what it considers a disturbing trend.
“There are many pressing issues confronting the country, but the government appears more interested in harassing and politically intimidating its opponents,” he added.
Host Henry Asante Twum pointed out that several individuals were also arrested during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over controversial public statements.
Nana B, however, maintained that every case should be examined on its own facts and insisted that the current situation involving Abronye DC is an example of selective enforcement..