Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has described the detention of Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, as a serious constitutional violation that must be condemned.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, May 17, 2026, Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that the continued remand of the outspoken politician raises major constitutional concerns, particularly regarding bail rights and freedom of expression.
“The general tenure of Act 30, as amended, is one such legislation that is inconsistent with the constitution. The general tenor of Act 96, which deals with the grant of bail gives very clear indication that the court has discretion to grant bail to persons appearing before it in criminal cases upon conditions stated therein.
“The abstention on granting of bail in section 97 is therefore odd, and an unnecessary interference with the court,” he said.
He added that “What has been done to Abronye DC is a profound constitutional wrong, and must be condemned without equivocation, without delay. The arrest itself, the prosecution and remand of a citizen for words spoken in the public domain is not justice, it is prosecution”.
While stressing that the NPP does not support reckless public comments, the Minority Leader maintained that Ghana’s laws already provide civil remedies for reputational harm instead of criminal prosecution over speech.
“The party does not condone irresponsible speech. We never did, and we never will. But public discourse carries responsibility and we believe deeply in that. Where speech damages a person’s reputation, Ghanaian law provides a civil remedy for it. It has been designed to achieve one aim, which is to allow the person injured to seek relief,” he said.
Abronye DC was remanded for two weeks on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, as investigations continue into alleged misinformation and offensive public comments.
He was initially arrested on Monday, April 13, over allegations of offensive conduct, false publication, and statements likely to cause fear and panic. Although he was later granted bail, he was rearrested after authorities intensified investigations.
The NPP has since questioned the legality of the process, insisting that his detention raises important constitutional issues.
