The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for greater protection of free speech and a review of the remand order involving its communicator, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando.
Yakubu, the Sunyani East Communications Officer of the NPP, was remanded by an Accra Circuit Court after being charged with offences including offensive conduct, false publication, and the circulation of statements alleged to be capable of inciting fear and panic.
The party says the case raises important questions about the balance between national security considerations and constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of expression.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong stressed that the 1992 Constitution protects the right of citizens to express their views and that such protections must be upheld in the justice system.
He called on state institutions to ensure that the handling of such cases strictly complies with constitutional safeguards on human rights and due process.
Mr Frimpong further urged the media, civil society organisations and the public to remain engaged in protecting democratic freedoms, noting that free expression is a cornerstone of Ghana’s constitutional order.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of arrests involving individuals who criticise government actions, and called for fair and transparent legal processes in such matters.
“At the end of the day, we are all one people. We have all agreed that as a country, we don’t want to live under dictatorial rule, but under constitutional rule and the rule of law,” he said.
The party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, also called for a review of the court’s decision to remand Baba Amando, arguing that due process should be carefully observed.
He noted that Yakubu had previously honoured police invitations and said this should be considered in the handling of the case.
Mr Boakye further appealed for an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution, urging institutions involved to ensure fairness, accountability and transparency.
The NPP maintained that while the rule of law must be respected, civil liberties and constitutional freedoms must also be safeguarded in the administration of justice.
