A social media post allegedly mocking President John Dramani Mahama and some government appointees has been cited as the reason for the arrest and transfer of Sunyani East Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Armando, to police headquarters in Accra.

The claim was made by the Bono Regional Communications Director of the NPP, Gabriel Korang Ababio, during an interview with Ama Konadu on Sunyani-based Sompa FM’s Adea Akye Abia morning show.

According to Mr. Ababio, information available to him suggests that images shared on social media formed the basis for the police action.

“Information reaching me indicates that Baba Armando was arrested because he posted pictures mocking the President and some appointees by dressing them in LGBTQ+ colours, with wigs and coloured lips,” he stated.

The Bono Regional Communications Director for NPP explained that the images, which circulated widely online, were intended to draw attention to what he described as inconsistencies in the government’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues.

“These are the same people who spoke strongly against LGBTQ+ when they were in opposition, yet after coming to power, they have failed to pass the bill,” he said.

Mr. Ababio, however, questioned the legality of the arrest, expressing concern over its implications for freedom of expression.

“Hasn’t the criminal libel law been repealed? That was the law used in the past to punish critics of government policies,” he queried.

He further criticised what he described as the use of state institutions to suppress dissenting views.

“Why is the government using state agencies to intimidate citizens so that they cannot speak about its governance? I don’t understand what is happening, and it is not right,” he added.

Mr. Ababio noted that the criminal libel law was repealed in 2001 under an NPP administration when Nana Akufo-Addo served as Attorney General, stressing that Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression.

“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and these rights must be respected at all times,” he emphasised.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan