Police Bias Allegations Stir Controversy In Abronye Arrest

Allegations of police bias have resurfaced following the arrest of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, a prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). 

Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong, a Fellow at the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) and a known NPP sympathizer, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the growing politicization of Ghana’s security forces.

According to Sarpong, the police have increasingly become an unofficial extension of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), acting as a “personal security force” for the party. 

He expressed deep frustration over the recent arrest of Abronye, questioning the motives and consistency behind such actions.

“They [the police] arrest NPP people, put them in handcuffs over ridiculous charges, take their pictures, and immediately send them to NDC media houses.” 

Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong

He described the practice as deeply troubling, arguing that it erodes public trust in the security services.

He explained that when an NPP member is arrested, the process often involves unnecessary theatrics designed to maximize embarrassment. 

Sarpong also questioned whether criticisms and verbal attacks had suddenly become crimes in Ghana. 

“Are insults and criticisms now arrestable offences in Ghana? Since when?” he asked, adding that the inconsistency in how these situations are handled reveals a clear double standard.

Sarpong Slams Double Standards In Abronye’s Arrest

Patrick Sarpong further drew a strong comparison by referencing controversial social commentator Kevin Taylor, widely recognized for his fiery rhetoric and blunt criticisms of public officials during the former NPP administration. 

He argued that the way Kevin Taylor was treated is strikingly different from the treatment being given to Abronye.

“Kevin Taylor, the godfather of insults in our political landscape, was brought down to Ghana, given VVIP treatment, and sent to the Supreme Court to whitewash him.

“And these same people who hailed and urged Kevin Taylor on are the ones praising the police for arresting Abronye over insults?” 

Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong

While clarifying that he does not condone the use of insults in politics, Sarpong stressed that it is unfair for individuals who celebrated Kevin Taylor’s abrasive attacks against figures like President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to now criticize Abronye for similar behavior.

Sarpong maintained that Abronye’s remarks are far less severe compared to Kevin Taylor’s long history of political insults. 

He stressed that only individuals who openly condemned Kevin Taylor’s conduct in the past have the moral authority to criticize Abronye’s recent statements, suggesting that those who previously supported or defended Taylor’s actions lack the credibility to do so now.

He added a moral reminder, calling on Ghanaians to be guided by fairness and integrity in their political discourse. “I repeat, in all we do, we should know that God is watching all of us,” Sarpong concluded.

Police Confirm Abronye’s Arrest

Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service confirmed Abronye’s arrest, stating that he is being charged with offensive conduct conducive to a breach of the peace. 

According to the official statement, Abronye is currently in custody and will be presented before the court for due process to take its course.

The police emphasized their commitment to upholding law and order, insisting that no individual is above the law, regardless of political affiliation. 

However, critics like Sarpong argue that recent events have cast doubt on the impartiality of the institution, calling for a more balanced and transparent approach to political cases.

As the matter heads to court, the arrest has sparked heated debate across the country, with political observers warning that actions perceived as biased could deepen divisions and weaken public confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions.

The controversy underscores a broader national conversation about justice, accountability, and the role of security agencies in a politically charged environment. Whether this case will serve as a turning point or further entrench mistrust remains to be seen.

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