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Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticised the arrest of individuals for allegedly insulting the President or government officials, arguing that such actions are not the best approach to addressing political speech.
While acknowledging that insults are inappropriate, Mr Kpebu said continuous arrests could lead to a situation where the state ends up targeting a large section of society for their opinions.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, August 8, 2026, during discussions on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, he called for a national conversation on how to handle offensive comments, suggesting alternatives such as fines or public condemnation.
Mr Kpebu also claimed that the number of people arrested over their utterances under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration within one and a half years is higher than the number recorded during the eight-year administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
He described the situation as a negative record for the current government, stressing that leaders must allow citizens to express their views as part of democratic accountability.
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said the NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration was not against accountability but against what he described as selective justice.
Addressing supporters during the protest on Thursday, August 6, he said the party was challenging what it believes are unfair practices within the justice system.
A key concern raised by the NPP was the acquittal and discharge of former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, which the party says raises questions about fairness and consistency in the justice system.
The party also accused state investigative and security agencies of engaging in arbitrary arrests, detention and harassment of some of its members, describing the actions as politically motivated.
Story by Efua Nessa