The Dangerous Drift Toward A Culture of Silence
Arrests of political voices risk normalizing a culture that could ultimately threaten democracy itself.
Apr 14·275views·3 min read
Opinion
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In any functioning democracy, the right to speak freely, especially against those in power, is not a privilege. It is a safeguard. When that safeguard begins to erode, often subtly and selectively, the consequences can be far-reaching and difficult to reverse. Ghana now finds itself at a delicate crossroads where the line between maintaining order and suppressing dissent appears increasingly blurred.
Over the past year, a growing list of individuals, many aligned with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), have faced arrests tied to speech-related offences. Among them is Kwame Baffoe, the Bono Regional Chairman, who was first arrested in September 2025 by the Criminal Investigations Department for alleged offensive conduct, publication of false news, and threats connected to remarks about the Inspector General of Police. Notably, as of now, he has been arrested again over a similar speech-related matter.
In March 2025, media personality Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah was picked up by National Security following on-air criticisms. His case quickly became symbolic of what many saw as intimidation of dissenting media voices. Around the same period, Adenta Kumi, a young party member, was reportedly arrested in a dawn operation after submitting a petition to John Mahama regarding the removal of the Chief Justice—an act the opposition insists was entirely lawful.
The trend has continued into 2026. Baba Amando, a communications officer in Sunyani East, was arrested over alleged cyber offences linked to Facebook posts critical of the President. Others, including Amadu Zakou, Gordon Asare Bediako, and Alhassan Abdul Rahaman, have reportedly faced similar fates over online expressions, some described by their supporters as benign, even playful.
Outside traditional political figures, the net appears wide. Social media personalities like TikTokers Prince Ofori (Fante Comedy) and Yayra Abiwu (Akosua Jollof) were arrested in 2025 over alleged threats, prompting backlash from political youth groups who argued that such actions risk criminalizing speech itself.
Taken individually, each case may have its own legal justification. But taken together, they paint a picture that many observers find troubling: a pattern of enforcement that appears disproportionately targeted and politically sensitive.
Critics argue that these arrests are not occurring in isolation, but rather in a broader political context. The renewed national debate around Ghana’s controversial anti-LGBTQ legislation, particularly after the President indicated it was no longer a legislative priority despite earlier commitments, has intensified scrutiny on the government. Some believe the timing of these arrests suggests an attempt to shift public attention or reduce mounting pressure.
If that is indeed the case, it would represent a profound miscalculation.
History has shown that using law enforcement as a political shield rarely ends well. It may offer short-term relief from criticism, but it carries long-term costs. When citizens begin to accept that people can be arrested for what they say—on radio, on television, or on social media—it quietly reshapes national expectations. It normalizes fear. It teaches silence.
And most dangerously, it sets a precedent.
Today’s government may find justification in acting against its critics. Tomorrow, it may find itself in opposition, subject to the very standards it helped entrench. Democracy is not just about winning power; it is about preserving the systems that ensure power can change hands without fear or repression.
The irony is not lost on many. President Mahama, a communicator and journalist by training, understands the central role of free expression in any democratic society. He knows that the voices most worth protecting are often the ones we disagree with. That is the essence of freedom, not comfort, but tolerance.
The responsibility, therefore, is clear. Leadership must not only uphold the law but also guard against its misuse. Institutions must act impartially, and law enforcement must be seen to operate beyond political influence.
Because once a nation begins to criminalize speech selectively, it does not merely silence opponents—it weakens itself.
Ghana’s democratic reputation has long been one of its greatest strengths. Preserving it will require restraint, balance, and an unwavering commitment to the principle that no voice, no matter how critical, should be silenced by the weight of the state.