The opposition New Patriotic Party has accused the government of undermining democratic freedoms and criminalising free speech following the detention and prosecution of some political actors and social media commentators.

In a strongly worded statement, the party’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, described recent developments as a deliberate attempt to weaken constitutional freedoms and suppress dissenting voices in the country.

Mr. Ahiagbah specifically criticised the detention of the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, arguing that the legal basis for his detention raises serious concerns about judicial independence and the protection of civil liberties.

According to him, the prosecution’s argument that Abronye could commit a future offence, and the court’s acceptance of that position, represents what he described as a troubling precedent for Ghana’s democracy.

He also questioned the seven-day delay in the release of the written ruling on the bail decision and called on the Judicial Service and the Ghana Bar Association to seek explanations over the matter.

Beyond the Abronye case, the NPP communications director alleged that several individuals have faced arrests or prosecutions over comments made on social media, warning that Ghana risks sliding into what he termed a “digital police state.”

Mr. Ahiagbah maintained that freedom of expression is guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution and cautioned against actions that could intimidate citizens or discourage public criticism.

He further stated that the NPP remains committed to protecting democratic values, judicial independence, and free speech, while urging Ghanaians not to be intimidated or silenced.