Former Works and Housing Minister and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has criticised the arrest and detention of New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicator Dennis Miracles Aboagye, describing it as a worrying development for Ghana’s democracy and rule of law.
In a post on X, Mr Oppong Nkrumah questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrest, arguing that Mr Aboagye had previously honoured invitations from investigators and did not pose any flight risk.
He further alleged that although authorities were not scheduled to interrogate Mr Aboagye until Monday, he was arrested and detained over the weekend and denied access to his lawyers.
“Miracles was arrested on Saturday upon his return to Ghana. A man who had previously responded to invitations to answer questions. He was not a flight risk. Indeed, he had just landed in Accra. He was denied access to lawyers on Saturday and Sunday. The government knew all along they won’t interrogate him till Monday. But they arrested him and kept him,” he wrote.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah also questioned the GH¢50 million bail conditions granted to Mr Aboagye, suggesting that the requirements were intended to prolong his detention.
“On Monday at 8pm he was granted 50m cedis bail with three sureties, two of which should be justified. Obviously, the plan is to keep him for days. If you think this is where our rule of law should go, that’s fine. He will survive this. But it becomes the new normal,” he added.
He also alleged that the arrests of other NPP communicators formed part of a broader attempt to suppress dissenting voices, though such claims have not been confirmed by authorities.
“Two other NPP communicators have been arrested in the last three days. Of course the state will never admit it is designed to suppress dissenting voices. But again this has become the new normal,” he stated.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah’s comments add to growing reactions from members of the opposition NPP, who have raised concerns over the arrest of Mr Aboagye.
