The communications director forMahamudu Bawumia has warned that Ghana’s democracy is under threat, citing what he describes as a pattern of arrests, detentions and intimidation of dissenting voices under the current administration.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (14 May), Dennis Miracles Aboagye argued that the foundation of Ghana’s democratic system — free speech — is being undermined.

“The baseline of the democracy we have is free speech… immediately free speech is under attack, then we can conclusively say our democracy is under attack,” he said.

Aboagye accused the government of engaging in what he termed “rampant attacks on dissenting views” since 2025, alleging that individuals critical of the administration have been subjected to arrests, prolonged detention and harsh bail conditions.

He claimed some individuals were held for extended periods without trial, in violation of the legal principle that citizens are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“It’s as if this government is punishing citizens before they are even found guilty… and that’s problematic,” he said.

He further alleged instances of security operatives breaking into private residences and detaining individuals without clear justification.

The Bawumia aide also raised concerns about what he described as a pattern suggesting collaboration between elements of the executive, security agencies and parts of the judiciary.

While acknowledging that such claims are difficult to prove directly, he said observable trends point to selective enforcement.

“The pattern is clear… certain elements within the security services are always being used… and when it comes to the judiciary, there is always this particular court,” he said.

Aboagye insisted that existing laws already provide mechanisms for addressing misconduct such as defamation, arguing that these should be applied through the courts rather than through detention.

He urged authorities to immediately halt what he described as politically motivated arrests.

“Stay away from grabbing people and detaining them for free speech… apply the law as it is,” he said.