According to Beatrice Annan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Mahama campaign, the strategy of the NPP government has been to deflect criticism by branding anyone who voices opposition to their corrupt activities and economic mismanagement as members or sympathizers of the NDC.
Annan argued that this tactic is used to silence dissent and avoid accountability, as the government consistently dismisses legitimate concerns by painting them as politically motivated attacks from the opposition.
This, in her view, undermines democratic discourse and distracts the public from the pressing issues of governance and economic hardship facing the country.
“Please do not fall for such communist inferior tactics. Cry my beloved country, cry. Felicity Nelson and the many other protestors were only asking for the best for their country. But they have been detained for more than 24 hours by those who should make their lives better”.
“Felicity did no wrong. She only wanted the best for her country under a government that sees no wrong with making the lives of its citizens worse. Why detain the young woman?”
Beatrice Annan
Annan urged Ghanaians to boldly speak up against the wrongdoings and governance failures of the NPP administration, emphasizing that citizens should not allow themselves to be gaslighted or manipulated into silence.
She pointed out that, in the past, the NPP, while in opposition, referred to critical voices as “progressive forces” who stood up for truth and accountability.
Annan argued that this characterization should not change merely because the NPP now holds power, insisting that the principles of democracy demand that leaders be held accountable, regardless of which party is in office.
She encouraged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and continue to advocate for transparency and good governance, without fear of being labeled or intimidated by those in authority.
Call for Release of Felicity Nelson by NDC’s Bawah
Furthermore, echoing Annan’s stance, Joyce Mogtari Bawah of the NDC called for the immediate and unconditional release of Felicity Nelson, a peaceful protester unjustly arrested during the “Stop Galamsey” demonstration.
Bawah condemned the arrest as an infringement on Nelson’s rights, emphasizing that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and should not be met with repression or intimidation.
“Citizens have the right to peacefully express their views and demand accountability without fear of arrest or intimidation. Felicity Nelson’s detention is a violation of her fundamental rights, and we urge the authorities to respect the freedoms guaranteed under our 1992 Constitution by releasing her without delay”.
Beatrice Annan
Bawah emphasized that peaceful protest is not a crime, but rather a fundamental pillar of democracy, essential for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard.
Meanwhile, NDC sympathizer Shamima Muslim remarked that in a country where complacency often prevails, the courage of individuals like Felicity Nelson, who step forward to demand accountability from our leaders, should be celebrated.
She emphasized that such bravery is vital to driving positive change and that citizens who take a stand for justice and better governance deserve recognition and support from the broader society.
Muslim stated that Felicity Nelson has been in police custody since the weekend following her participation in a peaceful protest organized by the Democracy Hub.
The protest aimed to draw attention to critical national issues, including the government’s handling of illegal mining and environmental degradation.
Despite exercising her democratic right to demonstrate peacefully, Nelson was unjustly detained, according to Muslim, and will be presented in court today.
Muslim expressed concern over the increasing use of arrests and intimidation tactics against peaceful protesters, arguing that Nelson’s detention reflects a troubling trend in the government’s approach to dissent.
She called on Ghanaians to closely follow the court proceedings and to stand in solidarity with those like Nelson, who risk their freedom to demand better governance.
READ ALSO: Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton Reveal Family Ties
