The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has raised concerns over what he describes as growing intimidation and suppression of dissent, warning that Ghana’s democracy is under threat.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen during discussions on the ongoing “Yen Suro Ahunahuna” demonstration in Sunyani, Mr Shaib questioned the arrest and transfer of individuals over social media commentary, particularly in relation to the LGBTQ bill.
“What is the intimidation all about? What is the unwarranted action all about? It’s Ghana’s democracy under siege,” he stated.
According to him, Ghana’s democratic system guarantees the right of citizens to criticise government, and such freedoms must not be curtailed through arrests or intimidation.
Mr Shaib referenced a case involving a social media post by Baba Amando, who questioned when the LGBTQ bill would be passed, arguing that such commentary should not warrant arrest or remand.
“Are we stopping people from being critical about the government?” he asked.
The MP further alleged that recent arrests could be a strategy to divert public attention from pressing national issues, including illegal mining, dissatisfaction among cocoa farmers, and unemployment.
“Galamsey is still ongoing. Cocoa farmers are unsatisfied. There is no clear structure to create jobs,” he said.
He stressed that citizens must be allowed to freely express their views without fear, regardless of political affiliation.
“We won’t allow anyone to intimidate us. Power is transient. We are not in a banana republic; it is not a one-party state,” he added.
Mr Shaib’s comments come as members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) staged protests in Sunyani, alleging harassment and targeting of party supporters.
He urged government to uphold democratic principles and protect the rights of all citizens to speak freely and hold leadership accountable.
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