End political harassment and respect press freedom – NPP UK’s Roberta Pobee to Mahama
According to Pobee, recent reports of unlawful arrests, political harassment, and the use of state security forces to silence critics indicate a troubling departure from Ghana’s longstanding democratic values.
Roberta Baaba Pobee, Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) NPP-UK’s Swindon Chapter, has raised alarm over what she describes as a dangerous shift in Ghana’s democratic governance, citing the intimidation of former government appointees and the increasing suppression of press freedom.
According to Pobee, recent reports of unlawful arrests, political harassment, and the use of state security forces to silence critics indicate a troubling departure from Ghana’s longstanding democratic values.
“In a country celebrated for its democratic progress, the growing use of state security agencies as tools of oppression is deeply troubling,” Pobee stated.
“Instead of ensuring national safety and protecting citizens, security forces are being deployed to target critics, silence opposition voices, and suppress media freedom.”
Reports suggest that several former government officials have been subjected to midnight raids, arbitrary arrests, and politically motivated investigations. While these actions are often justified as law enforcement measures, Pobee argues that they are strategic moves to weaken political opposition rather than genuine efforts to uphold justice.
In a Facebook post, she emphasized that Ghana’s democracy thrives on the rule of law and due process, not on the use of state machinery to intimidate opponents.
“If a former appointee is suspected of wrongdoing, there are clear legal procedures to follow. Resorting to harassment and heavy-handed tactics undermines the very democracy that the government claims to uphold,” she wrote.
Beyond political intimidation, Pobee expressed deep concern over attacks on press freedom, warning that journalists who expose corruption, governance failures, or human rights abuses now risk arrest, threats, and harassment.
“Several media houses critical of the government have been shut down, journalists have been detained under questionable charges, and investigative reporters continue to face intimidation,” she noted.
“The role of the media as the fourth estate of governance is essential for transparency and accountability. Without a free and independent press, democracy is meaningless.”
Ghana has long been regarded as a beacon of democracy in Africa, but Pobee believes these recent actions are damaging the country’s reputation on the global stage. She warned that the government’s increasing reliance on security forces to stifle opposition and silence journalists mirrors the tactics of autocratic regimes, a disturbing shift from Ghana’s proud democratic tradition.
“If journalists cannot report freely and political opponents are persecuted with impunity, then Ghana risks becoming an authoritarian state,” she cautioned.
In her concluding remarks, Pobee called on President John Mahama to end these undemocratic actions and respect the fundamental principles of democracy. She reminded him that Ghana belongs to all its citizens, not just those in power.
“Mr. President, Ghana’s democracy is on the line. The people of Ghana are watching. The international community is watching. History will judge the actions taken today,” she stated.
“The choice is simple—uphold democracy or allow tyranny to take over.”
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