By Daniel Bampoe
The arrest of popular social media activist Daniel Adomako, known online as “Sir Obama Pokuase,” and three other individuals has sparked political controversy, with the National Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) accusing the Ghana Police Service of political bias and selective enforcement of the law.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 13, the Police said Adomako was picked up in an intelligence-led joint operation involving other security agencies.
His arrest, the statement noted, is linked to ongoing investigations into the illegal possession and public display of sophisticated weapons.
According to the Police, images and videos circulating on social media—allegedly posted by Adomako—depicted individuals brandishing such weapons without authorisation.
The Police further revealed that three other individuals—Prince Ofori, Yayra Abiwu, and Emmanuel Kwakye—are also in custody.
These arrests are reportedly connected to cases of “threat of death” and “publication of false news” in the aftermath of the August 6 helicopter crash that killed eight people, including senior government officials.
The law enforcement agency maintained that the operations have, over the past several weeks, led to the retrieval of a significant cache of illegal arms and ammunition.
It reiterated its commitment to public safety and called on citizens to provide credible information to aid its investigations.
However, the NPP National Youth Wing issued a strongly worded rebuttal, condemning what it described as the “malicious” targeting of party-affiliated youth.
The statement, signed by National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha, specifically referenced the arrests of social media comedians “Fante Comedy and AY” and “Sir Obama Pokuase,” describing them as harmless youth exercising their right to free expression.
“We are shocked that a serious establishment like the Ghana Police Service will waste resources to arrest and detain young citizens who, out of exuberance, made comments deemed unsuitable for the moment,” the Youth Wing said.
“Freedom of speech is guaranteed in the country for all citizens… Why the intolerance today?”
The statement further accused the Police of turning a blind eye to violent incidents allegedly involving National Democratic Congress (NDC) members, citing the July 11 attack on former Minister of State and MP for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, and other NPP members during a constituency rerun election in Ablekuma North.
The Youth Wing claimed no arrests were made in that case, contrasting it with the “swift” detention of individuals perceived as NPP supporters.
NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, and National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, were at the Police Headquarters in Accra seeking bail for the detainees.
The unfolding development highlights a growing tension between the Police and the opposition party, raising questions about political impartiality in law enforcement ahead of the next electoral cycle.
