The Director of Communications for the Bawumia Campaign Team, Dennis Miracles Aboagye has criticised the growing hypocrisy surrounding Ghana’s public debate on free speech and arrests connected to political commentary. He argued that several individuals who condemned similar actions under previous administrations were now defending them because the political landscape had changed.
Aboagye contended that some public commentators who once accused the previous administration of suppressing free speech have now softened their positions under the current political climate. In his view, the trend has exposed inconsistencies in the country’s democratic discourse.
According to Aboagye, some of the strongest criticisms against arrests over political speech during the Akufo Addo administration came from voices that now appeared quiet. He referred to earlier public statements and letters that condemned police action against journalists and media personalities.
The politician indicated that a letter written by former opposition leader, now President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to former President, Nana Addo DankwaAkuffo Addo in 2022 remains an evidence of those earlier concerns.
“There is a letter written to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo by President Mahama, then opposition leader. He said he was appalled at the growing criminalisation of speech and journalism in Ghana. Those are the same concerns being raised today.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
Aboagye further recalled incidents involving media personalities who were questioned or arrested by the police during the previous administration. He noted that those developments attracted strong criticism from the opposition at the time.
From his perspective, the ongoing debate surrounding arrests linked to public commentary should be approached with the same fairness and consistency. He insisted that the same standards must apply regardless of which political party is in office.
Meanwhile, Aboagye stated that his own position on freedom of expression has remained unchanged throughout his political career. He explained that he has consistently opposed arrests connected to political commentary and public criticism.
He warned that political intolerance could deepen divisions within the country if leaders fail to learn from past experiences. In a further submission, the NPP communicator argued that Ghana’s democracy depends on fairness and equal treatment for citizens regardless of political affiliation.
Aboagye also cautioned against a cycle of retaliation whenever governments changed. He observed that actions taken against political opponents today could influence future political conduct when power changes.
“We are beginning to create a dangerous cycle in this country. People remember how they are treated when governments change. That is why these actions must stop.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
The presidential aide therefore called for national reflection on political tolerance and democratic accountability.
Criticism Of Government Over Free Speech Climate
Moreover, Dennis Miracles Aboagye accused the government of pursuing policies that threatened freedom of expression in Ghana. He argued that recent developments surrounding online commentary and political criticism have created fear among citizens.
Aboagye stated that attempts to regulate speech through threats of arrests and surveillance could undermine democratic participation. He explained that free speech and hate speech were separate matters that should never be confused in public debate.
From his perspective, citizens could no longer feel fully free if they constantly feared punishment for expressing political opinions. He noted that democratic governance require tolerance for criticism, especially during periods of political tension.
“This government has gone after free speech. If citizens must first think about pleasing authority before speaking, then speech is no longer free. That is the danger we face today.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
The NPP communicator also claimed that insults and provocative remarks directed at Dr Mahamudu Bawumia frequently circulated online without intervention from security agencies.
Aboagye observed that social media platforms have increasingly become spaces for political attacks and inflammatory language. He added that state institutions appear inactive when such comments target opposition figures.
He referenced individuals who allegedly made controversial public statements yet continue to move freely without legal consequences. He suggested that unequal application of the law signals weakness in the justice system.
He also criticised the way hate speech laws were being applied within the political space. From his perspective, public concern over abusive language often intensify only when government officials become the targets.
Aboagye therefore called on political leaders and security agencies to uphold constitutional freedoms while applying the law fairly to all citizens.
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