The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced plans to stage a demonstration in Sunyani on Wednesday, April 22, in protest against what it describes as the unwarranted arrest of its members.
The protest, dubbed the “Yen Suro Ahunahuna Demo,” is being organised by the party’s Sunyani East Constituency.
Speaking on Citi Fm on Monday, April 20, the party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, said the demonstration is a response to what the party believes is a growing trend of intimidation and the suppression of free expression.
“Following a series of what we consider unwarranted arrests, the New Patriotic Party, through our Sunyani East Constituency, is organising a demonstration dubbed the ‘Yen Suro Ahunahuna Demo.” We are not afraid of these actions or the criminalisation of free speech. We believe that democracy is under attack,” he stated.
According to him, the party remains resolute and will not be deterred by what it perceives as politically motivated actions against its members, warning that such developments could threaten the country’s democratic principles.
The planned protest follows the recent arrest of the Sunyani East Communications Officer of the NPP, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando.
He was arrested over allegations including offensive conduct, false publication, and the circulation of statements considered likely to incite fear and panic.
Abubakar Yakubu has since been granted bail to the sum of GH¢30,000 with two sureties and released, pending further investigations.
The NPP insists the circumstances surrounding his arrest raise serious concerns about freedom of expression and maintains that the upcoming demonstration will provide a platform to push back against what it describes as harassment of its members.
