President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has criticised the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi, popularly known as Adenta Kumi, describing it as excessive and unwarranted.
Kumi, a youth activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former parliamentary aspirant, was reportedly arrested at dawn on Friday, May 23, by operatives of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). He has been charged with the publication of false information.
The allegations against him stem from comments he made on social media and during a radio appearance, in which he referenced a petition he had submitted to the President. The petition calls for the disbandment of the committee investigating the Chief Justice, citing alleged misconduct that could undermine the credibility of the proceedings.
Speaking on Channel One TV, on Saturday, May 24, Cudjoe questioned the manner in which the arrest was carried out, stating that the situation could have been handled more civilly.
“I find it surprising that we still resort to these tactics that many of us have condemned in the past. Why not simply invite the individual to provide a statement? Why dispatch armed personnel to raid someone’s home and detain them?” he asked.
Cudjoe also criticised what he described as an increasing use of force in dealing with allegations of false publication, calling the approach “mindless.”
“I don’t know who is behind these politically motivated actions, but it’s senseless. This should not be done in the name of the President,” he added.
The arrest has sparked public debate, with several civil society voices urging authorities to ensure due process and respect for civil liberties.