By Daniel Bampoe
Fresh political tensions are escalating between the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party following controversial comments by NDC Deputy Director of Elections and IT, Rashid Tanko-Computer, warning that individuals who make what he described as reckless comments against the government risk arrest and possible action by state security agencies.
Speaking on JoyNews during discussions surrounding the recent arrests and prosecution of several NPP activists, Tanko insisted that the democracy should not be abused under the guise of free speech.
According to him, some political actors deliberately seek to destabilize the country whenever they are out of power and should not expect unrestricted freedom if their actions threaten public peace or disrespect state institutions.
“We don’t have to toy with our democracy,” Tanko said during the interview.
“The democracy we are now enjoying, we want the generation to come to also enjoy the same democracy. But some people have made it in their minds that so long as they are not in power, they must destabilize the democracy that we have.”
The fake PhD holder warned that individuals who hide behind political affiliations to create instability would face the full force of state security agencies.
“If you want to hide behind political party and think that you can disturb the peace of this country, the state security will come after you,” he declared.
“You Won’t Sleep in Your House”
Tanko further argued that the increasing use of social media to criticize public officials, especially judges and state institutions, had become reckless and dangerous.
He claimed some individuals were abusing cheap internet access to publish what he described as “garbage” online without regard for the consequences.
Referring to recent prosecutions involving opposition communicators, he stated that people who make reckless statements should not expect to avoid arrest.
“When you speak recklessly, rest assured, you won’t sleep in your house,” he warned.
The comments immediately triggered outrage within the NPP, with opposition leaders accusing the NDC government of openly endorsing intimidation and the suppression of free speech.
Arrests Fuel Political Controversy
The controversy comes amid growing political tension over the arrest and detention of several NPP activists and officials since President John Dramani Mahama returned to office on January 7, 2025.
Among the most high-profile cases is that of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, who was arrested and remanded after allegedly criticizing the conduct of a Circuit Court judge in a social media video.
Abronye was charged with offensive conduct conducive to breach of peace and publication of false news under Sections 207 and 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
His detention, especially his remand into the custody of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), has become a major political flashpoint, with the NPP accusing the government of criminalizing political criticism.
Other recent arrests cited by the opposition include that of David Essandoh, popularly known as “Sam Toys,” who was reportedly picked up by security operatives after circulating a social media post about the return of power outages, commonly known as “dumsor.”
The opposition also referenced the prosecution of Abubakar Yakubu, who was arraigned before court on charges relating to false publication and offensive conduct.
Additionally, the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi following comments and petitions relating to proceedings involving the Chief Justice has intensified accusations of political intimidation.
Bawumia Speaks Out
Reacting to the developments, former Vice President and NPP presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia accused the government of orchestrating what he described as “an endless assault” on opposition supporters and critics.
Speaking during an engagement with student leaders ahead of an NPP youth bootcamp, Dr. Bawumia declared that no amount of arrests or intimidation would silence the opposition.
“You can arrest all of us. We will come back and make our case to the people of Ghana,” he stated.
The former Vice President warned that officers of the state involved in abusing power against political opponents would eventually be held accountable.
According to him, arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and excessive bail conditions undermine constitutional freedoms and damage the democratic reputation.
He maintained that while nobody is above the law, the law must not become a political weapon used to intimidate critics of the government.
Justin Kodua Leads Protest
The NPP’s reaction intensified after David Essandoh’s arrest, with senior party officials storming the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Accra demanding explanations from security authorities.
Leading the protest was NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong alongside National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, and other senior party executives.
According to the NPP leadership, Essandoh was picked up from his home by armed security operatives at night and held for several hours without access to lawyers or formal charges.
Addressing journalists during the standoff, Justin Kodua warned that the opposition would resist any attempt to criminalize criticism of government policies.
“If speaking against the government has become a crime, then they will have to arrest all of us,” he declared.
NPP Raises Historical Concerns
The latest developments have revived historical debate over the democratic evolution and the repeal of criminal libel laws in 2001 under former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The NPP argues that the current use of provisions such as offensive conduct and false publication under Act 29 amounts to the indirect resurrection of criminal libel laws abolished during the Kufuor administration.
Opposition leaders also insist that despite harsh criticisms and protests mounted by the NDC during years in opposition, the previous NPP administration largely tolerated dissent and did not routinely pursue critics through criminal prosecution.
According to NPP officials, statements currently being criminalized under the Mahama administration are comparable to criticisms and allegations frequently made by NDC activists while the NPP was in government.
The opposition argues that Ghana risks sliding back into a climate of fear and self-censorship if security institutions continue to be used against political opponents.
Political Climate Growing Increasingly Tense
The confrontation between the two dominant political parties comes as the NPP intensifies efforts to reorganize after electing Dr. Bawumia as presidential candidate on January 31, 2026.
Since his election victory in the party primaries, Dr. Bawumia has embarked on nationwide mobilization efforts aimed at rebuilding the opposition ahead of the 2028 general elections.
At the same time, the NDC government continues to defend the arrests as lawful actions intended to preserve public order and protect institutions from defamatory and inflammatory attacks.
However, critics warn that the increasingly confrontational political environment, combined with accusations of selective justice and intimidation, could further heighten political polarization across the country in the coming months.
