Afenyo-Markin slams gov’t over ‘growing intolerance’ amid arrests of NPP loyalists

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticized the current government. He claims it is becoming intolerant of political dissent.

His comments follow the arrests of New Patriotic Party (NPP) activists. This includes Adenta youth organizer Alfred Kumi Ababio and Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi.

Afenyo-Markin spoke to journalists outside the National Investigations Bureau (NIB). Supporters had gathered there to protest Kumi Ababio's detention. He called these arrests attempts to intimidate opposition voices under national security pretenses.

He expressed concern over a double standard in politics. Members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) criticized the Akufo-Addo administration without fear. Now that the NDC is in power, they seem unable to tolerate similar scrutiny.

“The NDC could criticize freely before,” he said. “Now they are in power and cannot handle it.”

Afenyo-Markin believes these actions threaten Ghana’s democracy and citizens' rights. Other NPP members share his view, seeing the arrests as politically motivated.

Alfred Kumi Ababio remains in custody but has access to legal representation. Afenyo-Markin noted that National Security is still investigating, with next steps pending.

In another incident, over 20 officials from the National Intelligence Bureau stormed Chairman Wontumi’s residence. He accused them of harassment and stated they arrived without a warrant.

Wontumi had previously been invited by the CID for questioning. He suggested that his bid for national chairmanship may be causing state pressure.

Afenyo-Markin argues these incidents reflect a troubling pattern of political intolerance. This issue should concern all citizens, regardless of their party affiliation.