Communications member of the National Democratic Congress, Hamza Suhuyini, has criticised the conduct of Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye, describing his public commentary as dangerous to democratic stability. Suhuyini linked the concerns to recent reactions surrounding a press statement issued by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to Suhuyini, political actors must exercise restraint when addressing national issues. The NDC member explained that inflammatory commentary often places pressure on democratic institutions and undermines public confidence.
Meanwhile, Suhuyini questioned the basis of arguments contained in the statement issued by the former Vice President. The NDC member indicated that public concern over freedom of speech must remain consistent across different political periods.
“I was very disappointed when I read the press statement issued by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. As politicians, we must demonstrate some modicum of integrity and consistency when addressing many of these issues. Is this the first time Ghanaians have raised concerns about the excesses of police power and the judiciary? Under his tenure as Vice President, social media content creators (not political activists or office holders of political parties) were picked up in the middle of the night and detained for hours simply for daring to express their opinions on political developments in the country.”
Hamza Suhuyini
Suhuyini argued that the style of political communication associated with Abronye continues to generate tension within national discourse.
“It is a gentleman who plies his political trade based on vile and reckless commentary that has serious repercussions for our democratic stability.”
Hamza Suhuyini
Subsequently, he pointed out that the conduct of Abronye is something everyone, including Dr. Bawumia, would agree is intolerable. He noted that characters of that nature constitute a “threat to democratic stability.”
In addition, Suhuyini criticised the former Vice President for attempting to create political interpretations around judicial decisions. The NDC member stated that independent courts must be allowed to perform their constitutional duties without partisan pressure.
Past Arrests and Judicial Actions Return To Debate
Referencing the press statement issued by Dr. Bawumia concerning alleged excesses of police power and the treatment of political commentators, Suhuyini argued that such incidents are not new in Ghana’s democratic history.
However, he stated that the current ruling party must pursue effective reforms to address the problem and strengthen the protection of fundamental rights of everyone. According to Suhuyini, democratic systems require strong safeguards to prevent abuse of power within the justice system.
The NDC Communications member stated that concerns over police excesses extend beyond politicians and party activists. He explained that ordinary citizens frequently experience similar treatment without attracting public sympathy or political intervention.
He asserted that several individuals were arrested or detained in previous years over comments linked to politics and governance, raising recurring concerns about free expression and institutional conduct.
The lawyer particularly criticised what he described as inconsistent political reactions to such incidents from the opposition. Suhuyini expressed disappointment in former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, insisting that political leaders must apply the same standards regardless of whether they are in government or opposition.
“We become good and godly when we want political power, but when we win political power, we care less about the ordinary citizen. That level of hypocrisy must not be entertained.”
Hamza Suhuyini
The NDC member further referenced the 2018 arrest of former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho, whose detention over treason allegations sparked national debate. Suhuyini also mentioned the Montie 3 contempt case during the 2013 election petition hearing, explaining that despite intense public discussion surrounding the sentencing, the NDC respected the authority of the Supreme Court and allowed the judicial process to proceed.
According to Suhuyini, former President John Dramani Mahama later exercised his constitutional power of clemency only after the legal process had been completed, which he said reflected respect for institutional authority.
Meanwhile, the lawyer warned against selective outrage in national discourse. Suhuyini maintained that democratic accountability depends on fairness and consistency whenever citizens face alleged abuse of power.
He added that public confidence in democratic institutions weakens when political actors defend or condemn state actions based solely on partisan considerations.
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