NPP criticizes government over communicators' arrest, calls for judicial accountability

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.