NPP Slams Arrest of ‘Baba Amando’, Warns of Threat to Free Speech and Democracy

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticised the arrest of its Sunyani East Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, describing the development as alarming and a potential threat to democratic principles.

In a statement dated April 13, the party explained that Mr. Yakubu, together with his lawyer Alfred Tuah Yeboah, responded to a police invitation at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters. However, upon arrival, officers reportedly indicated they had no knowledge of such an invitation.

Further inquiries with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra later revealed that he was instead needed in the capital. This led to his arrest and subsequent transfer to Accra on the instructions of the CID.

The NPP expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of using state security institutions to suppress opposing voices under the administration of John Mahama. The party warned that the incident raises serious concerns about the protection of free speech and civil liberties in the country.

It also suggested that the arrest could be a distraction from pressing national issues, including the rising cost of living and broader governance challenges.

The party has therefore called on authorities to adhere to due process, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens.

Read the statement below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 13, 2026

NPP CONDEMNS ARREST OF BABA AMANDO; RAISES CONCERNS OVER FREE SPEECH & ABUSE OF STATE POWER

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) strongly condemns the arrest of Mr. Abubakar Yakubu, the Sunyani East Constituency Communications Officer, popularly known as Baba Amando, describing the action as unwarranted and deeply troubling for Ghana’s democratic credentials.

According to available information, Mr. Yakubu, accompanied by his lawyer, Mr. Alfred Tuah Yeboah, a former Deputy Attorney-General, honoured an invitation from the Ghana Police Service at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters at approximately 10:00 a.m. today. Upon arrival, however, both Mr. Yakubu and his counsel were informed by officers at the command that they had no knowledge of such an invitation, despite prior communication directing him to report there.

Subsequent engagement with the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra revealed that Mr. Yakubu was instead required in Accra. The CID in Accra reportedly instructed the Bono Regional Police CID to effect his arrest and facilitate his transfer to the capital. He has since been arrested and is currently being conveyed to Accra.

The NPP views this development as yet another example of the growing use of state security apparatus to intimidate and silence dissenting voices under the administration of President John Mahama. The Party is particularly concerned that this action raises serious questions about the state of free speech and civil liberties in the country.

Furthermore, the Party believes this incident constitutes a diversionary tactic aimed at shifting public attention away from pressing national challenges, including LGBT issues, failed formula “1-3-3”, rising cost of living, increasing fuel prices, increasing utility tariffs, and what it describes as the government’s failure to deliver on key policy promises.

The NPP calls on all Ghanaians to remain vigilant and to resist any attempts to undermine democratic freedoms. The Party further urges the relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect due process, and safeguard the fundamental rights of all citizens.

SIGNED:
LAWYER HENRY NANA BOAKYE
National Organizer, NPP