🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
NPP General Secretary defends Akufo-Addo government's free speech record
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Justin Frimpong Kodua, General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party NPP, has asserted that the former administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo demonstrated significant tolerance for criticism and dissent. Speaking on Metro TV on April 20, 2026, Kodua emphasized the importance of distinguishing between legitimate expressions of opinion and statements that could threaten national security or incite public panic. He noted that robust criticism, satire, and caricatures of political leaders are common in democracies and should not be misinterpreted as threats. Kodua cited an instance where a social media user allegedly depicted former President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam against an LGBTQ-themed background, stating that the NPP government chose not to act. He argued that criticism regarding issues like the government's failure to pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation falls within free expression. However, Kodua differentiated this from dangerous allegations that could undermine the constitution or incite violence, warning that a failure to respect free expression could lead to a "culture of silence." He urged authorities to focus on statements with genuine security implications rather than targeting dissenting views, stressing that protecting free speech is crucial for Ghana's democratic development.
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 ReadThe New Patriotic Party's Minority Caucus has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress of political betrayal for rewriting the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation they previously supported. In a statement on June 4, 2026, Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin stated that the reintroduced Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, now with 31 amendments, deviates from the NDC's 2024 position. The NPP highlighted that the original Bill was unanimously passed by the 8th Parliament in 2024, with the NDC, then in opposition, actively advocating for its passage and criticizing the Akufo-Addo presidency for not assenting to it. The Minority Caucus views the amendments introduced by the NDC-controlled 9th Parliament as fundamentally altering provisions that NDC MPs had previously voted against amending. The NPP described the NDC's actions as hypocritical, noting that the party had demanded immediate presidential assent to the 2024 Bill only to rewrite it upon assuming office. The NPP believes this demonstrates political insincerity and is calling for the 2024 Bill to be restored to its original form and sent to President John Dramani Mahama for assent.
Must ReadThe NPP Minority Caucus has issued a statement on June 4, 2026, asserting that the original Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, passed by the 8th Parliament in 2024, must be transmitted to President John Dramani Mahama for assent without any modifications. The Minority Caucus, led by Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin, emphasized that this position reflects the aspirations of the majority of Ghanaians. They argue that the NDC secured power in 2024 partly on a platform that included a commitment to this bill, and therefore, the ruling party is obligated to honor the original legislation. The NPP views any deviation from the original bill as a breach of faith and a challenge to the significance of electoral promises in Ghana.
A Ghanaian national, recently evacuated from South Africa, shared his experience of being robbed at knifepoint by two men while returning home from work. The incident occurred about a month ago, around 7:30 pm, near a hospital. He recounted that two men approached him, and when he sensed an attack, they both brandished knives. Choosing not to resist, he raised his hands, and the attackers took his belongings without physically harming him. He noted that some foreign nationals in South Africa resist such attacks, which can lead to fatal consequences. This account comes as Ghana repatriates its citizens from South Africa due to rising xenophobic violence. The first group of evacuees arrived in Accra on May 27, 2026. The High Commission of Ghana in South Africa announced that over 1,500 Ghanaians have registered for repatriation, with the second batch scheduled to depart on June 6, 2026.
President John Dramani Mahama has commenced a state visit to the Republic of Belarus at the invitation of President Aleksandr Grigorievi Lukashenko. The visit, which began on Friday, June 5, 2026, aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore new areas of cooperation in economic, agricultural, and technical sectors. Upon arrival in Minsk, President Mahama will lay a wreath at the Victory Monument. A central highlight will be high-level talks between President Mahama and President Lukashenko, focusing on strategic partnerships in agriculture, education, and commerce. President Mahama will also travel to Brest to tour a large processor of milk, cheese, and baby products, and pay respects at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex. The visit includes a stop at Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. The state visit will culminate in the signing of at least four bilateral agreements. President Mahama is expected to return to Accra on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.