The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned the arrest of Baba Amando, Sunyani East Constituency Communications Officer, alleging abuse of judicial authority and political interference in law enforcement base on the rampant arrest of anyone who criticizes the NDC government.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly condemned the arrest and remand of Baba Amando, describing the development as politically motivated and a threat to constitutional freedoms and the rule of law.
According to the party’s National Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, Baba Amando honored a police invitation issued in Sunyani on Monday, April 13, 2026, appearing voluntarily with his legal counsel, Hon. Tuah Yeboah. However, instead of being processed in Sunyani, he was transported to Accra the same day on what police reportedly described as “orders from above.”
He was subsequently granted police bail and directed to report to the Police Headquarters on Tuesday, April 14—an instruction he complied with.
The situation took a dramatic turn when, upon reporting as directed, Amando was not released but instead arraigned before a court. The NPP contends that this decision was not based on new evidence or independent police discretion, but rather external influence, raising concerns about political interference in law enforcement processes.
In court, the controversy deepened further. According to the NPP, the prosecution did not oppose bail nor apply for remand after charging Amando with publishing false news linked to an AI-generated image depicting government officials. Despite this, the presiding judge ordered a two-week remand, citing the possibility of interference with ongoing investigations.
Amando’s legal team, led by Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin and supported by Hon. Nana Agyei Baffour, argued that their client posed no flight risk and had consistently complied with all police directives.
They maintained that the remand was unjustified and inconsistent with both the facts and established legal standards.
The NPP has since criticized the ruling as judicial overreach, alleging that the court departed from its role as a neutral arbiter and disregarded constitutional protections on personal liberty and freedom of expression. The party also pointed to what it describes as selective enforcement of the law, noting that other public figures have made controversial statements without facing similar legal consequences.
The party further cited the recent arrest of NPP Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe Abronye on comparable grounds, suggesting what it believes to be a pattern of targeting opposition voices.
In response, the NPP is calling for an immediate review of the remand order and has urged the Chief Justice to investigate what it describes as apparent judicial bias. It also called on the government to cease what it characterizes as the weaponization of state institutions against political opponents.
Beyond the Amando case, the party criticized the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over what it alleges was an unlawful raid on the residence of former official Maxwell Kofi Jumah, describing it as part of a broader pattern of intimidation.
The NPP warned that such developments risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions and diverting attention from pressing national challenges, including economic hardship and public service delivery.
“Free speech is not a crime,” the statement emphasized, calling for the immediate release of Baba Amando and urging the government to focus on governance rather than political confrontation.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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