The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has criticised the decision to remand the party’s Sunyani East Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, also known as Baba Amando.
Baba Amando was remanded by an Accra Circuit Court after being charged with offensive conduct, false publication, and sharing statements that could cause fear and panic.
Speaking on Tuesday, April 14, Mr. Ahiagbah said the situation suggests an attempt by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to silence opposition voices and restrict political expression.
He argued that involving state institutions in this matter is unnecessary and harmful to democratic principles.
According to him, Baba Amando was simply engaging in political satire and commentary, which he says is a normal and acceptable part of political discussion.
He believes such actions should not lead to legal punishment.
Mr Ahiagbah described the decision to remand him as “regressive” and warned that it could create a troubling example for freedom of speech in the country.
“This is not progressive. It is regressive, and President Mahama must act to stop this. Why would you want to remand an individual over this? I don’t see the value of spending state time and resources to try to pursue this meaningless effort. I don’t think this is necessary.
“It is bad for our democracy and an attempt to limit people’s ability to speak. I think the NDC and the government are aware that they cannot silence the NPP. The earlier they stop this, the better,” he said.
He added that the NPP will continue to speak out and take part in political discussions, despite what he believes are efforts to silence opposing views.
