Leading member of the United Party, Solomon Owusu, has criticised the decision by the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer to issue a statement on recent police actions involving political activists. Owusu stated that the intervention exposes contradictions surrounding the former Vice President’s position during his term.
He argued that one of the major campaign messages of the former Vice President has been the claim that he played no active role in the governance of the country during the NPP administration. According to Owusu, the statement represented a serious political miscalculation at a time when questions over reforms within the security sector continue to attract public attention.
“You know, many a times, we have heard the former Vice President, now the flag bearer of the NPP, make the claim that he was just a mere mate and didn’t have a specific role in the affairs of governance.”
Solomon Owusu
The United Party member further referred to constitutional provisions which place direct responsibilities of the Police Council under the office of the Vice President. Owusu explained that the constitutional mandate gives the Vice President influence over policy direction and institutional reforms within the police service and also recognises the Vice President as Chair of the Police Council.
Furthermore, Owusu questioned what reforms were introduced during the previous administration to address recurring concerns over police conduct. He stated that complaints involving arrests, intimidation and heavy handed policing existed throughout the eight year tenure of the former government.
He further argued that many officers currently serving within the police service were recruited and trained during the previous administration. According to Owusu, criticisms now being directed at the institution should have received equal attention while the former Vice President chaired the Police Council.
“As a Chairman, he didn’t see anything yesterday. How can he see today? As the Chair of the Police Council, you slept on the job. You did not reform the police institution.”
Solomon Owusu
He further that the conduct of some officers in recent arrests followed patterns that existed under the previous administration. Owusu added that the police service continues to operate within institutional structures shaped over several years.
Security Conduct And Arrests Stir Political Debate
Owusu argued that some actions by the opposition during the recent incident undermined lawful engagement with state institutions. He stated that political actors must demonstrate responsibility when dealing with matters involving national security agencies.
According to him, political leaders and legal practitioners must exercise restraint during periods of heightened political tension. Owusu stated that confrontational behaviour at police facilities weakens public confidence in democratic processes and security institutions.
He further criticised scenes involving senior party figures who gathered at the police headquarters during the controversy. The United Party member explained that lawyers within the group should have relied on established legal procedures to secure access to their client.
Owusu also questioned attempts to politicise the arrest of Abronye following allegations involving remarks against a judge. He stated that individuals accused of wrongdoing must cooperate with investigators and defend themselves through lawful processes.
He later turned attention to the charge sheet connected to the matter. Owusu argued that details contained in the document identified Abronye as a farmer and not as a politician at the time of the alleged offence.
“The former Vice President is telling party supporters to continue the attacks and intimidation on social media.”
Solomon Owusu
Furthermore, Owusu criticised portions of the NPP Flagbearer’s statement, describing them as capable of encouraging disorderly conduct among party supporters. He argued that such political messaging could fuel hostility on social media and intensify political tension across the country.
He also dismissed suggestions that the matter represented political persecution against the opposition. According to Owusu, allegations involving attacks on the judiciary require legal examination without partisan interference or pressure on state institutions.
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