Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has criticized the arrest of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, describing the development as a worrying attack on free speech and democratic expression.
He questioned what he described as the growing use of Sections 207 and 208 of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act to target political opponents and outspoken citizens.
“We need to ask ourselves whether Sections 207 and 208 are not being abused,” he stated.
Speaking at a parliamentary leadership meeting on Friday, the Minority Whip stressed that the arrest of Abronye reflects what he called an atmosphere of intimidation under the current administration.
“It’s clear everybody is aware. We have gone beyond abuse; we are now under the instructions of a president who once said they have the IP addresses of everybody. So when you make certain statements, you become sought after,” he alleged.
Mr. Jerry Ahmed Shaib argued that democratic governance must accommodate differing opinions and criticism without resorting to arrests or intimidation.
“If somebody publishes something, you don’t immediately become the judge. Due process must prevail, and people must be allowed to express themselves freely,” he added.
The comments come amid heightened political tension following the arrest and detention of Abronye over remarks reportedly deemed offensive or false by authorities. The incident has sparked debate over the balance between national security laws and constitutional freedoms.
The Minority in Parliament insists that while laws must be respected, they should not be weaponized to suppress dissent or silence opposition voices.