NPP demands review of Baba Amando remand, cites free speech concerns

Accra, April 15, – The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is calling for a review of the remand order issued against its communicator, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as “Baba Amando,” and is urging stronger safeguards for freedom of expression.

Yakubu, the Sunyani East Communications Officer of the party, was remanded by an Accra Circuit Court after being charged with offensive conduct, publication of false news, and circulating statements alleged to be capable of inciting fear and panic.

At a press conference in Accra, the NPP General Secretary, Mr Justin Kodua Frimpong, said constitutional guarantees on free speech must be respected and protected in the application of justice.

He said Ghana’s 1992 Constitution clearly provides for freedom of expression and warned against any interpretation of the law that could weaken that right.

Mr Frimpong called on state institutions to ensure fairness and due process in handling cases involving political communicators, adding that democratic governance must be strengthened through respect for civil liberties.

He further urged civil society organisations, the media, and the public to remain engaged in defending democratic accountability and constitutional rule.

According to him, the party has observed what it describes as a worrying pattern of arrests involving individuals who criticise government policies, and called for restraint and balance in enforcement actions.

“At the end of the day, we are one people. We have agreed as a country to live under constitutional rule and not under any form of dictatorship,” he said.

The party’s National Organiser, Mr Henry Nana Boakye, also appealed for a review of the remand decision, arguing that Yakubu had previously honoured police invitations and should have been accorded bail.

He called for careful consideration of procedural fairness in the ongoing case and urged the relevant authorities to uphold justice without political interference.

Mr Boakye further encouraged independent scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution, stressing the need for transparency and respect for due process.

GHBUSS

April 15, 2026