The National Peace Council (NPC) has called for calm and responsible conduct among political actors as tensions rise over the recent arrest of some individuals linked to controversial public statements.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Council expressed concern about the growing strain in the country’s political environment, urging all sides to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law. The appeal follows the arrest of the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, widely known as Abronye DC, who is facing charges related to alleged offensive conduct.
The situation has been further intensified by reactions from key political figures. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has drawn criticism after openly questioning the conduct of the presiding judge in the case. Meanwhile, the NPP’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, warned that continued actions perceived as targeting party members could provoke serious political consequences.
Amid these developments, the NPC stressed the need for moderation in public discourse, particularly among politicians and media commentators. It cautioned against inflammatory or unverified statements that could heighten tensions and potentially lead to unrest.
The Council also called on security and judicial institutions to act with fairness, professionalism, and transparency while safeguarding the rights of all citizens. According to the NPC, maintaining public confidence in these institutions is essential to preserving Ghana’s democratic stability.
Beyond the immediate concerns, the Council underscored the importance of civility in national conversations, noting that differences in opinion should not devolve into hostility or threats. It further urged political commentators, both locally and abroad, to be mindful of how their statements may impact national cohesion.
The NPC revealed plans to engage leaders of political parties in the coming days as part of ongoing dialogue efforts aimed at easing tensions and strengthening trust among stakeholders.
Meanwhile, reactions to the arrests have sparked broader debate about free speech and democratic accountability. Founder of the Africa Prosperity Network, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has defended recent comments made by opposition figures, arguing that they should be viewed within the context of democratic expression.
Similarly, Kojo Pumpuni Asante of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has raised concerns about what he describes as an emerging pattern of arrests linked to speech. He warned that if not carefully managed, such developments could set a troubling precedent for freedom of expression in the country.
As tensions continue to simmer, the NPC’s intervention highlights the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and protecting democratic freedoms in Ghana’s evolving political landscape.
