The Former President and National Democratic Congress flagbearer, John Mahama, has intimated that President Akufo-Addo cannot continue to oppress the people with regards to their freedom of speech.
Commenting on the recent arrest of some media personnel over their utterances, John Mahama averred that he is appalled at the growing criminalization of speech and journalism in Ghana under the President’s watch.
“President Akufo-Addo, you cannot continue to oppress the people, criminalize speech when these matters are essentially civil in nature if you feel offended by them.”
John Mahama
According to the former President, the situation has become even more sad as authorities and leaders have become quiet due to the oppressive nature of government.
“The Journalists Association and its senior members, many of our clergy and other moral leaders, scared because of the oppressive and dictatorial regime you are running, have remained quiet in the face of this disturbing development in our maturing democracy.”
John Mahama
John Mahama warned the President that his acts is a dangerous blueprint he is fashioning for the nation and it must not be encouraged. He posited that Akufo-Addo’s actions as President has totally discredited his self-acquired accolade as a human rights lawyer and activist.
“Ghana has long emerged from the unfortunate past where journalists were cowed by incarceration and brutalization.”
John Mahama
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According to John Mahama, he fears that if immediate action is not taken to arrest this unfortunate trend, when the Akufo-Addo exits the office of President in January 2025, freedom of speech and a free media will certainly not be counted as part of the legacy he left behind.
“An investigative journalist was murdered, under very troubling circumstances. Yet, while the Ghanaian people and the international community have demanded justice, Government’s inability or unwillingness to act is obvious to all. The police have virtually shelved the investigations into this brutal murder.”
John Mahama
The former President disclosed that there have been several disturbing incidents of harassment of journalists in their line of duty with the nation also witnessing media establishments closed down by the President’s instructions, despite many appeals to him.
“Now, in a space of less than two weeks, four people have suffered police action, criminalizing their right to free speech.”
John Mahama
John Mahama indicated that the President, as a former Attorney General, at the time, who led the repeal of the criminal libel law, in order that citizens could freely express their views, it is unconscionable for him to be suppressing the rights and criminalizing the speech of citizens and journalists.
“It is even more worrying when the power of the state is used as a pliant tool in this intimidating endeavor.”
John Mahama
Recounting recent arrest of media personnel, John Mahama stated that radio and TV presenter Captain Smart was dragged to court, and although he had been granted bail, sent into detention. He also noted that another radio presenter, Oheneba Boamah Bennie has been incarcerated for statements he allegedly made.
“A civil society activist was arrested, detained, sent to court on criminal charges, granted bail and yet detained again for making a statement against you, President Akufo-Addo. As if to suggest insincerity behind the serious decriminalization of speech that you led, another radio presenter, Bobie Ansah, has been arrested, detained and charged–criminalized for speaking and making allegations against your wife.”
John Mahama
John Mahama further recounted how a security personnel linked to the NPP, brutalized a radio presenter and producer in the city of Takoradi. He stated that such lawless attacks have today become common occurrences in our country which must be dealt with.
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