NPP accuses NDC of political persecution, judicial bias over arrest of party communicator

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned what it describes as politically motivated arrests and judicial overreach following the detention and remand of party communicator, Baba Amando.

Addressing a press conference on April 15, 2026, the NPP National Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, alleged that the arrest and subsequent court proceedings against Amando reflect a growing pattern of intimidation and suppression of dissent under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

According to him, Amando honoured a police invitation in Sunyani on April 13, 2026, in the company of his lawyer, Hon. Tuah Yeboah. However, he was reportedly transferred to Accra on the same day on what police described as “orders from above.”

After being granted police bail, he was directed to report to the Police Headquarters the following day, a directive he complied with.

Mr. Boakye stated that despite complying with all police instructions, Amando was arraigned before court without new evidence being presented.

He further claimed that the prosecution neither opposed bail nor requested a remand, yet the presiding judge ordered a two-week remand.

He criticised the decision, describing it as judicial overreach and an abuse of discretion, arguing that the court acted independently of the prosecution’s position.

The NPP also questioned the basis of the charge against Amando, which relates to the alleged publication of false news involving an AI-generated image of some government officials.

Legal counsel for the accused, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and supported by MP for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour, argued in court that their client was not a flight risk and had consistently cooperated with law enforcement.

Mr. Boakye further alleged double standards in the application of the law, claiming that members of the current administration had previously made controversial statements without facing similar legal action.

He cited past remarks by President John Dramani Mahama and other government officials, arguing that such comments were not subjected to the same level of scrutiny or legal consequences.

The NPP also referenced the arrest of its Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe Abronye, describing it as part of a broader pattern of targeting opposition figures.

Beyond the specific case, the party raised concerns about the conduct of state institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which it accused of engaging in politically motivated actions, including an alleged raid on the residence of former public official Maxwell Kofi Jumah.

The party is demanding an immediate review of the remand order, a halt to what it describes as the weaponization of state institutions, and a probe into the conduct of the presiding judge.

“The growing trend of arrests and prosecutions of opposition voices raises serious concerns about free speech and civil liberties in the country,” Mr. Boakye stated.

He urged the government to focus on addressing pressing national issues such as unemployment, rising cost of living, energy challenges, and illegal mining, rather than what he described as the persecution of political opponents.

The NPP maintains that the developments represent a threat to democratic governance and has called for the immediate release of Baba Amando.

Story by: Hawa Abubakar