NPP Belgium Branch executive raises concerns over freedom of expression in Ghana
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Raphael Godwyll Panford, Research and Elections Officer of the New Patriotic Party NPP Belgium Branch, has voiced concerns regarding an increase in arrests and prosecutions of government critics, opposition politicians, and social media commentators in Ghana. In a statement on June 9, 2026, Panford, also known as "Raph," cautioned against what he perceives as the growing use of state institutions to suppress dissenting political voices. He emphasized that while responsible freedom of expression is crucial, constitutional rights must be protected, and justice administered fairly without political interference. Raph clarified that he does not support insults or character assassination but stressed that allegations of wrongdoing should be handled through due process, free from political intimidation. His comments follow recent arrests and investigations involving individuals seen as government critics. Raph argued that the frequency and nature of these arrests have raised concerns among Ghanaians about political freedoms, stating that Ghana's democracy is built on free speech and political tolerance. He also referenced the legal challenges faced by Kwame Baffoe, Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, over comments allegedly made about former President John Dramani Mahama and former First Lady Lordina Mahama, asserting that all citizens deserve fair treatment under the law.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadSedina Tamakloe-Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre MASLOC, has been extradited from the United States to Ghana. She arrived at Accra International Airport on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, aboard United Airlines flight UA 996, and was immediately taken into custody by security officials. Her extradition follows a 10-year prison sentence handed down by the Accra High Court in 2024, after she was convicted in absentia for offenses including causing financial loss to the state and stealing. The court found that her actions as MASLOC CEO between 2013 and 2016 resulted in a loss of almost GH¢90 million. The extradition process began in 2025, culminating in a US District Court in Nevada certifying Ghana's request in April 2026, finding probable cause for her conviction on 25 counts of stealing, 20 counts of wilfully causing financial loss to the state, and four counts of money laundering. Tamakloe-Attionu had failed to return to Ghana after being granted permission in 2021 to travel to the United States for medical treatment, leading to her trial proceeding without her presence.
Must ReadSedina Tamakloe-Attionu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre MASLOC, has been extradited from the United States to Ghana, marking the first such extradition since 2009. The United States Embassy in Ghana announced the extradition on June 9, 2026, highlighting strong law enforcement cooperation between the two countries in combating corruption and financial crimes. Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in absentia by the Accra High Court in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for over 70 corruption-related charges, including stealing and causing financial loss to the state during her tenure from 2013 to 2016. These charges involved embezzling over $6 million equivalent in Ghanaian taxpayer funds and contributing to losses estimated at nearly GH¢90 million. She was arrested by US Marshals in Texas and detained at the Nevada Southern Detention Center. A United States District Court in Nevada certified Ghana's extradition request in April 2026. Tamakloe-Attionu arrived in Ghana on June 9, 2026, and was taken into custody to begin serving her sentence.
Must ReadDeputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has commented on the extradition of former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, to Ghana. In a video shared by JoyNews on Facebook on June 9, 2026, Dr. Srem-Sai responded to questions regarding the extradition, stating, "I'm not sure about that," when asked if he was excited. Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was extradited from the United States to Ghana on June 9, 2026, to begin a 10-year prison sentence. She was convicted in absentia in 2024 on over 70 charges, including stealing, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. These offenses resulted in nearly GH₵90 million in losses during her tenure as MASLOC CEO between 2013 and 2016. She was arrested in Nevada in January 2026, and her transfer was approved by the US Secretary of State after a US court certified Ghana’s request. Sedina arrived in Accra under heavy security, reportedly in a wheelchair and showing signs of ill health. This extradition is Ghana’s first from the US since 2009 and has been recognized by the US Embassy as evidence of strong law enforcement cooperation.