🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
NPP criticizes government over communicators' arrest, calls for judicial accountability
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party NPP, has criticized the Mahama administration following the arrest of NPP communicators, including Abubakar Yakubu, known as Baba Amando. Baba Amando was remanded by an Accra Circuit Court on April 13, 2026, as part of investigations into allegations of offensive conduct, false publication, and circulating statements likely to incite fear and panic. Ahiagbah stated that Baba Amando’s use of political satire to criticize the government should not be grounds for arrest, emphasizing that satire is a widely accepted form of expression in democratic societies. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also condemned the judicial proceedings, particularly the two-week remand of the Sunyani East Communication Officer of the NPP. Afenyo-Markin criticized the presiding judge's decision as improper and raised concerns about judicial fairness in politically sensitive cases. He praised the Ghana Police Service for their professionalism but labeled the Circuit Court judge’s decision a “big shame.” Afenyo-Markin also noted procedural missteps, stating the prosecution did not seek remand but rather requested more time for forensic examinations, yet the court pressed for a remand application. The arrest has brought attention to free speech and political expression in Ghana, with the NPP asserting that intimidation will not silence their party.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadProfessor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, stated that the increasing cost of politics in Africa is undermining democracy, fostering corruption, and eroding public trust in state institutions. Speaking at the High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialisation of Politics in Africa in Accra, Professor Prempeh highlighted that the expense of contesting elections is making political participation difficult for ordinary citizens. He noted that the true cost of elections, even for internal party positions, in countries like Ghana, often exceeds current estimates. Professor Prempeh explained that unregulated political financing enables wealthy elites, domestic cartels, and foreign interests to influence political parties and elections, marginalizing women, youth, and the middle class. He added that politicians frequently seek to recoup significant campaign expenses through corruption once in office, and costly elections also heighten the risk of electoral violence and diminish public confidence in democratic institutions. The three-day convening aims to produce the Accra Declaration, a continental pledge to enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity in political financing across Africa.
Ghana's Minority Caucus in Parliament staged a walkout on July 15, 2026, after First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled against a supplementary question from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Afenyo-Markin sought clarification from the Minister of Communication regarding the cost and procurement procedures for the government's planned SIM card re-registration. The Deputy Speaker deemed the question outside the scope of the original inquiry. Afenyo-Markin accused the First Deputy Speaker of using parliamentary rules to impede the Minority's oversight functions and frustrate members, stating that the supplementary question was relevant and in the public interest, particularly concerning the cost of the SIM registration to the nation. He cited Parliament's Standing Order 89.1, which permits supplementary questions for clarification based on a minister's answer. Afenyo-Markin indicated that the walkout was a culmination of ongoing frustrations with the Deputy Speaker's conduct, but confirmed the Minority would return to the chamber for other parliamentary business.
BreakingEngland and Argentina are set to compete in the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a place in the final at stake. Lionel Messi will lead Argentina, the defending champions, while Harry Kane captains England, who are aiming for back-to-back World Cup finals. The match is anticipated to be fiercely contested, featuring two strong title contenders.