The Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Savannah Region has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as the unlawful arrest and detention of three individuals associated with the opposition party: Fante Comedy, Yayra, and Sir Obama Pokuase.
In a statement released Wednesday, NPP Savannah Regional Youth Organizer Raphael Mahama Akati characterized the arrests as “a reprehensible affront to the very foundations of our democracy” and accused national security operatives of engaging in “gangsterism styled” tactics against opposition members.
The statement comes during a period of national mourning following the tragic loss of eight public officials in a military helicopter crash. Akati criticized the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for what he termed a “politically bizarre witch-hunting expedition” during this sensitive time.
“In this momentous occasion of national bereavement, one would’ve thought the NDC government will cease the opportunity to unite the nation not only in grief but on a national development journey,” Akati stated.
The youth leader demanded the immediate release of the three individuals currently in custody and called for an end to what the NPP describes as hostile treatment of opposition members. He contrasted the current administration’s approach with that of the previous NPP government under President Nana Akufo-Addo, praising the former administration’s repeal of criminal libel laws and commitment to free expression.
“We will not be silenced, we will not be deterred,” Akati declared, vowing continued advocacy for democratic principles and human rights.
The NPP youth wing has pledged to hold the current administration accountable for what it characterizes as abuse of power, with Akati stating that justice will be pursued “under the next NPP government.”
This development adds to ongoing political tensions in Ghana as opposition parties voice concerns about treatment of their members under the current administration.
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For Immediate Release…
THE NPP SAVANNAH REGIONAL YOUTH WING CONDEMS THE SHAMEFUL ARRESTS AND DETENTION OF FANTE COMEDY, YAYRA & SIR OBAMA POKUASE.
Wednesday 13th August, 2025.
The Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party in the Savannah Region is deeply alarmed by the rampant disregard for the rule of law and human rights evident in the gangsterism styled arrest of individuals associated with the opposition NPP in recent times. The arrests of Fante Comedy, Yayra and Sir Obama Pokuase is a reprehensible affront to the very foundations of our democracy. The actions of our National Security are not merely an abuse of power, they are a betrayal of the trust Ghanains placed in our institutions of state and a direct threat to the freedoms we hold dear.
In this momentous occasion of National bereavement; the pain and frustration of family, friends and the public on the tragic loss of 8 public officials involving a military helicopter crash, one would’ve thought the NDC government will cease the opportunity to unite the nation not only in grief but on a national development journey. Alas! They’ve chosen to triviliase the occasion and went straight back into the polarized and politically bizarre witch-hunting expedition.
As a youth leader, let it be on record on behalf of all Constituency Youth Organizers and the Youth in general condemns in the strongest possible term, the hostile arrest, intimidation and detention of NPP members by the NDC government; and demands the immediate release of the trio in the custody of national security operatives. The NPP is a law abiding organization and will only support lawful process of handling acts of citizens without abusing their right to freedom and human dignity enshrined in the constitution.
The erstwhile Nana Addo /Bawumia government accepted criticism and ensured a free and fair society devoid of infringement of citizens right to free expression; under the strongest provocation by the current crop of Ministers and CEOs throwing their weight around, President Akufo-Addo showed leadership as the man behind the repel of the libel law from a criminal to civil offence.
Finally! We’ll not be silenced, we will not be deterred. We’ll continue to speak out against injustice, to advocate for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, and to demand that President Mahama uphold the principles of democracy and human dignity.
The current abuse of power by the NDC will not go unchecked, whether for political or personal gain; your actions will be held accountable and we’ll fight tirelessly to ensure that justice is served under the next NPP government.
………Signed……….
Raphael Mahama Akati.
[ NPP Youth Organizer, Savannah Region].