The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tema West Constituency, James Tamakloe, has criticised what he describes as the “Rambo-style” arrest and prosecution of opposition members and private citizens, urging the Mahama administration to respect the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nkosuo Nsem with Kofi Sekyi, Tamakloe alleged that recent arrests of individuals, including NPP member Dennis Miracles Aboagye and TikToker Camilla Alhassan, reflect what he described as heavy-handed tactics by the government.
According to him, Dennis Miracles Aboagye was picked up in what he termed a brazen manner and taken to an undisclosed location, leaving his family unaware of his whereabouts for some time. He also criticised the GH¢50 million bail condition imposed on Aboagye, describing it as excessive and unreasonable.
Tamakloe also referenced the case of TikToker Camilla Alhassan, who was arrested and later convicted over offensive and disparaging remarks made against President John Dramani Mahama. While acknowledging the need for responsible conduct, he argued that the government’s approach to dealing with critics should not infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms.
He called on the government to end what he described as politically motivated persecution and instead focus on delivering on the promises made to Ghanaians.
His comments come in response to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent assurance that his administration has no intention of prosecuting innocent people and that all accountability cases will be pursued strictly in accordance with due process and the rule of law.
Speaking at the Citizens’ Engagement in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, President Mahama rejected claims that the government’s anti-corruption drive is aimed at targeting political opponents.
“We do not harbour any malice against any person, and indeed, I do not take any enjoyment or pride in prosecuting people if they have done no wrong. I believe that our prosecutorial system, investigative system, and judicial system grant enough leverage for people to have justice,” the President stated.
He further explained that prosecutions are initiated only after available evidence has been carefully assessed, stressing that anyone who believes they have been wrongfully prosecuted has the opportunity to seek justice through the courts.
“It shouldn’t be like we’re trying to hound our political opponents or something. We proceed on the basis of the evidence we have received, and then the evidence is weighed, and if it is sufficient, we proceed,” he added.
Reacting to the President’s remarks, Tamakloe maintained that the government should channel its energies into addressing the country’s pressing challenges and fulfilling its campaign promises rather than, in his view, targeting citizens who criticise the administration. He stressed that constructive criticism is an essential feature of every democratic society and should not be met with intimidation or excessive law enforcement measures.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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