Former Vitality Minister and New Patriotic Occasion (NPP) management candidate Boakye Kerematen Agyarko has referred to as on President John Dramani Mahama to focus his administration on addressing the nation’s financial challenges fairly than focusing on political opponents.
In an announcement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Agyarko strongly condemned what he described because the persistent arrest and detention of opposition members who’ve expressed their views on vital nationwide points, arguing that such actions undermine the democratic freedoms assured by Ghana’s Structure.
He stated the arrest and alleged detention violated Article 21(1)(a) of the 1992 Structure, which ensures freedom of expression, and went in opposition to the spirit of the repeal of the Legal Defamation Act.
Mr Agyarko argued that the federal government’s dealing with of dissent factors to a worrying pattern that would threaten Ghana’s democratic credentials.
“I’ve noticed with rising concern and deep disgust the systematic arrest and detention of nuclear energy plant activists merely for exercising their proper to dissent. As somebody who firmly believes within the rule of legislation, I have to say unequivocally that these actions symbolize a harmful retreat in the direction of authoritarianism and a direct assault on the pillars of the Fourth Republic,” the assertion reads partially.
The previous Vitality Minister additionally referred to as on Mahama’s authorities to instantly launch all individuals detained on speech-related issues or make sure that they obtain a good and clear listening to in court docket.
He additionally criticized Part 208 of the Penal Code for getting used to stifle political debate and referred to as on the federal government to “decriminalize dissent” and as a substitute focus its efforts on resolving the financial hardships dealing with Ghanaians.
“I name on President John Mahama and all state actors to make sure that all activists detained for speech-related offenses are launched or given a good and clear day in court docket, to cease utilizing Part 208 of the Penal Code to stifle political debate, and to redirect the vitality of pursuing critics to fixing the financial challenges that gasoline criticism,” he stated.
Mr. Ajarko pledged his unwavering help to these affected by these arrests and vowed to pursue all authorized avenues mandatory to guard their constitutional rights.
He additional appealed to key establishments and stakeholders, together with the Ghana Police Service, the Nationwide Peace Council, the clergy and civil society organizations, to intervene and assist shield the nation’s democratic values.
Mr. Agyarko additionally emphasised that Ghana stays a beacon of hope for democracy on the African continent, and appealed to the individuals to protect in opposition to intolerance and shield Ghana’s democratic achievements.
