Majority Chief Whip criticizes arrests for insulting political leaders

politics Ghana

Martin Kpebu suggests Mahama Ayariga's removal as Majority Leader linked to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill disagreement

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has suggested that Mahama Ayariga's removal as Majority Leader could be connected to his disagreement with Speaker Alban Bagbin regarding the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill. Kpebu stated on TV3 on August 8, 2026, that Ayariga's stance that the bill was validly passed by Parliament might have complicated efforts by the Speaker and President John Mahama to push for a reconsideration of the legislation. Kpebu believes the appointment of James Agalga as the new Majority Leader could be related to this disagreement, potentially paving the way for the bill's reconsideration as proposed by the Speaker. He cautioned that the National Democratic Congress NDC could face political repercussions if the issue remains unresolved before the next elections. Ayariga was removed as Majority Leader following his nomination as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

GhanaWeb41 mins ago2 min

politics Ghana

Martin Kpebu links Mahama Ayariga's removal as Majority Leader to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill disagreements

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu suggests that differing views on Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ Bill may have contributed to Mahama Ayariga's removal as Majority Leader. Speaking on August 8, 2026, Kpebu noted a divergence between Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who argues procedural irregularities affected the bill's passage, and Ayariga, who maintained the bill was successfully passed and only awaited presidential assent. Kpebu stated that Ayariga's firm stance could have complicated efforts by the government, the Speaker, and President John Mahama to revisit or reconsider the legislation. He described this disagreement as a possible "rational basis" for the leadership change, acknowledging other factors might also have influenced the decision. Kpebu emphasized that his comments were a personal assessment of political developments and not a confirmation of the reasons behind the change within the governing National Democratic Congress NDC.

GhanaWeb56 mins ago2 min

politics Ghana

Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu criticizes President Mahama's administration over free speech concerns

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has voiced disappointment with President John Dramani Mahama's administration, alleging that freedom of speech is being compromised. In an interview on TV3 on August 8, 2026, Kpebu claimed that President Mahama's one and a half years in office have seen more arrests than former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's eight years in government. Kpebu stated that while insulting public officials is not ideal, arresting individuals for their comments is not the best approach, as it could lead to the criminalization of free expression. He contrasted this with previous administrations, noting that former President Akufo-Addo did not arrest him for calling him 'mampam,' nor was Nana Yaa arrested for calling Akufo-Addo 'Nebuchadnezzar.' Kpebu also recalled that Jerry Rawlings called former President Kufuor a thief without Kufuor arresting him. Kpebu made these remarks during a discussion about the "Democracy Under Threat" demonstration organized by the New Patriotic Party.

GhanaWeb2 hours ago1 min

Majority Chief Whip criticizes arrests for insulting political leaders

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Martin Kpebu suggests Mahama Ayariga's removal as Majority Leader linked to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill disagreement

Martin Kpebu links Mahama Ayariga's removal as Majority Leader to anti-LGBTQ+ Bill disagreements

Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu criticizes President Mahama's administration over free speech concerns