The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised an alarm over what it calls a growing pattern of arrests linked to alleged insults in Accra. Aspiring National Communications Officer of the NPP, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, made the allegations on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday.
Insulting Business: Police Arrests Spark Outrage
According to Mr Aboagye, the number of people allegedly arrested over insulting comments is far greater than the public might realise. He claimed the NPP had been providing support to individuals affected by such cases and therefore had access to what he described as a list of people who had been arrested.
"We are the ones who provide them with support, so we have the list," Mr Aboagye said. He alleged that the practice of arresting people over insulting comments has now reached the district level, with some district police commanders targeting citizens who participate in community information-centre programmes and community radio discussions.
Mr Aboagye further alleged that individuals could be arrested after speaking during such engagements. "No, you speak, they pick you up from the community, they put you in and they tell you, 'You know, when this is taken to court, you would be jailed?'" he said.
TikTokers Not Exempt
The NPP's allegations also focused on social media users, particularly TikTokers. Mr Aboagye claimed that most of the TikTokers' issues were unknown to the public. "Most of the TikTokers' issue, you haven't heard," he said.
Mr Aboagye described the alleged practice as having become an "enterprise", suggesting that arrests were no longer isolated incidents but part of a wider pattern. He stated that he does not personally condone insulting behaviour, citing his Christian faith and experience as a Sunday school teacher.
A Pattern of Arrests
Mr Aboagye's allegations come in the wake of the NPP's major demonstration in Accra on Thursday. Thousands of party members, supporters, and leaders took to the streets for a protest dubbed "Democracy Under Attack", accusing the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of undermining Ghana's democratic principles and weakening key state institutions.
The demonstration formed part of the opposition party's broader campaign against what it describes as threats to democratic governance, institutional independence, and the rule of law. The protesters also raised concerns about the use of state institutions and what they regard as the selective application of state power.
What's Next
The NPP's allegations have sparked outrage in Accra, with many calling for an end to what they see as a growing pattern of arrests linked to alleged insults. The government has yet to respond to the allegations, but it is likely that this story will continue to unfold in the coming days and weeks.
In the meantime, the NPP's demonstration has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of state power. As the country moves towards the next general election, the issue of free speech and the limits of state power will likely remain a contentious issue.
Source: Joy Online
