Nana Akomea, Chairman of the NPP Communications Committee, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take urgent action against what he describes as a “creeping culture of silence” emerging under the current administration.

Speaking on Accra-based Peace FM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Nana Akomea argued that in democratic societies, speech deemed defamatory should attract civil, rather than criminal, remedies — particularly following Ghana’s repeal of the criminal libel law.

According to him, although some colonial-era sedition laws may still permit criminal prosecution, such laws should only be invoked in extreme circumstances where speech poses a serious threat to the state, national security, or public safety.

He maintained that many of the recent arrests involving opposition figures and political commentators do not meet the legal threshold for sedition-related offences.

Nana Akomea cited several examples, including the arrest of Rita Batse, who reportedly criticised the performance of local government officials and raised concerns over the abandonment of a factory project in Hohoe. He also referenced the case of David Essandoh, who was allegedly arrested over a Facebook post on dumsor that featured President Mahama’s image.

Other cases he mentioned included Alfred Kumi, who petitioned President Mahama over the conduct of members of the Justice Torkonoo investigative committee; Ntim Fordjour, who raised concerns about the activities of two aircraft at the airport; and Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, who reportedly commented on alleged extortion in the awarding of scholarships.

He further referred to Wilberforce, a journalist with Asaase Radio, who was allegedly questioned over reportage relating to operations at MIIF.

According to Nana Akomea, none of these statements or actions should warrant criminal prosecution under sedition-related laws.

He also criticised the manner in which some of the arrests were conducted, describing them as excessive and intimidating. He alleged that several operations involved dawn raids, the deployment of heavily armed and masked security personnel, and the denial of bail, despite the individuals involved not being violent offenders.

Nana Akomea further argued that some members and operatives of the NDC have made similarly controversial public remarks without facing comparable treatment.

He cited examples including Zita Okaikoi, whom he accused of alleging that the NPP was responsible for a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of government officials. He also referenced comments reportedly made by Kojo Adu Asare and Joseph Azumah concerning alleged extortion linked to secondary school admissions.

Additionally, he mentioned Anita De-Soso, who allegedly claimed that appointments were being sold under President Mahama’s administration, as well as Fiifi Kwetey, who reportedly accused government officials of striking deals with persons accused of corruption to avoid prosecution.

Nana Akomea said these developments create the perception of selective justice and political discrimination.

He expressed concern that, within just over a year of President Mahama’s administration, more than 16 NPP members had allegedly been arrested over public commentary and political expression.

He therefore called on President Mahama to intervene and ensure that democratic freedoms — particularly freedom of expression — are safeguarded in Ghana.