The Deputy General Secretary of NPP, Haruna Mohammed has alleged that the detention of Abronye amounts to political persecution by state authorities. He argued that the handling of the case has heightened concerns within the opposition party over the treatment of its officials by security agencies.
“The state is using security institutions to intimidate officers of the NPP. Abronye has become one of the individuals at the centre of this situation and the party is concerned about the development.”
Haruna Mohammed
According to him, the offences cited against the party communicator did not justify the conditions under which he was being held. He indicated that concerns also emerged over suggestions that the accused person could have been transferred to a high security correctional facility despite the nature of the allegations before the court.
He explained that the party remains uncertain about the exact circumstances surrounding the detention because access to information is limited. Furthermore, he argued that the facility where the party communicator was being held was traditionally associated with matters linked to national security investigations.
The Deputy General Secretary also disclosed that lawyers for the detained party figure has initiated legal processes to challenge the remand decision. He revealed that an application has also been filed before the court and was expected to be heard within the timelines provided under judicial procedure.
He expressed confidence that the legal team would pursue every constitutional avenue available to secure a fair hearing. In addition, he criticised aspects of the earlier ruling and suggested that the party expected the judiciary to demonstrate balance in handling politically sensitive matters.
The Deputy General Secretary defended the comments made by the detained party official regarding a judge’s impartiality. He argued that questioning the conduct of a judicial officer in the discharge of public duty falls within democratic expression and public accountability.
“Citizens have every right to raise concerns about the conduct of public officials, including members of the judiciary, when issues of fairness and impartiality arise.”
Haruna Mohammed
The NPP executive further compared recent developments with past political commentary made by politicians and activists against judges and state officials. He contended that several outspoken remarks made during the NPP administration did not result in arrests or criminal prosecution.
He added that the debate surrounding judicial independence remains an important democratic issue that requires tolerance for criticism and public scrutiny. Consequently, he urged authorities to allow the courts to handle the matter without actions that could inflame political tension.
Mohammed also appealed for due process to guide every stage of the legal proceedings. Moreover, he stressed that political disagreements should not create conditions that disrupt public confidence in state institutions.
NPP Plans Major Demonstration Over Alleged Political Intimidation
The Deputy General Secretary of NPP, Haruna Mohammed disclosed that the opposition party was preparing for a nationwide protest to curtail the intimidation against its members. He explained that the planned action would also involve consultations and engagements with several stakeholder groups.
“The party intends to hold discussions with civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic community and media groups as part of efforts to address these concerns. And the party will certainly come out with a very huge demonstration, and if they want, they can arrest the entire opposition party.”
Haruna Mohammed
According to him, the party believes recent arrests and legal actions against some opposition figures signal a troubling political atmosphere. He argued that democratic governance requires tolerance for dissent and equal treatment under the law.
The NPP executive referenced periods in Ghana’s political history when journalists and political activists were detained over criticism of governments. He stated that memories of those incidents continue to influence concerns about freedom of expression and civil liberties in the country.
He further alleged that some state institutions were being used in ways that creates fear among opposition supporters. Meanwhile, he insisted that the party would continue to resist any development it consider harmful to democratic accountability.
The Deputy General Secretary of NPP also raised concerns about the health condition of the detained party figure and appealed for authorities to ensure his wellbeing throughout the legal process. Additionally, he urged the state to respect constitutional protections while allowing the courts to independently determine the case.
Mohammed stressed that the opposition party is committed to lawful political engagement despite rising tensions. He indicated that the planned protest would seek to draw public attention to what the party view as growing pressure on political opponents.
Furthermore, he noted that the NPP intends to intensify internal consultations before announcing dates and modalities for the nationwide exercise.
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