The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the arrest of its Sunyani East Constituency Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, describing the move as troubling and a threat to democratic freedoms.
In a statement issued on April 13, the party said Mr. Yakubu, accompanied by his lawyer Alfred Tuah Yeboah, honoured a police invitation at the Bono Regional Police Headquarters, only to be informed that officers there had no knowledge of the invitation.
According to the NPP, further checks with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Accra revealed that he was rather required in the capital, leading to his arrest and subsequent transfer to Accra.
The party expressed concern over what it described as the increasing use of state security agencies to intimidate dissenting voices under the current administration.
It also argued that the incident raises serious questions about free speech and civil liberties in the country, while alleging that it could be a diversion from key national issues, including the cost of living and governance challenges.
The NPP has therefore called on authorities to uphold due process, respect the rule of law, and protect 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
