Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has alleged that the government is using investigations by state agencies to put pressure on NPP lawmakers and discourage them from speaking freely in Parliament.
The Effutu MP said some members of the Minority have expressed fears that strong contributions on government policies could lead to invitations from the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI).
He made the allegation during an interview on JoyNews’ The Probe, describing the situation as one of the major challenges confronting the Minority.
“The other challenge, really, is that, unfortunately, this government has made intimidation part of its strategy of silencing the minority,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would not disclose the identities of the MPs involved but claimed the Minority leadership had received complaints from several members.
He said some of the investigations involved allegations that, in his view, did not justify the level of attention being given by state investigative bodies.
“There are times that a colleague would have to speak, and he will boldly tell you that, Leader, if I make any submission today, the BNI guys will call me,” he said.
He stressed that the Minority does not oppose legitimate investigations or accountability, including investigations into former government officials.
His concern, he said, was the alleged excessive use of investigative processes against political opponents.
“I am dealing with the excesses thereto. You see, you can enforce the law with a human face without unnecessarily intimidating the person,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also rejected the suggestion that his comments amounted to a threat of retaliation, saying he was concerned about the precedent being created.
“I am not the person who supports this you do me, I do you politics,” he said.
He urged the government to concentrate on addressing Ghana’s economic challenges and fulfilling its campaign promises rather than treating political opponents as targets.
“I believe that governments that are elected can focus on their mandate of tackling the challenges in our economy,” he said.
“And in tackling, you don’t make your opponents a target.”
