Kamaldeen Warns of ‘Mayhem’, Calls for Massive Demonstration Over Arrests

Deputy National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kamaldeen Abdulai, has raised concerns over what he describes as a growing pattern of arrests in Ghana, warning that the situation could threaten the country’s democratic stability if not addressed.

Speaking via phone on Kessben Maakye show in Accra, Kamaldeen, argued that concerns over the arrests extend beyond the NPP and called on state institutions to respect the constitutional rights of people taken into custody.

He specifically referenced the case of Salomey Awiti Bafoh, claiming she was not initially informed of the reason for her arrest. Article 14(2) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution states that an arrested, restricted or detained person must immediately be informed, in a language they understand, of the reasons for the action and of their right to a lawyer.

Bafoh, a nurse, has been remanded in police custody after pleading not guilty to a charge of abetment of crime in connection with the alleged publication of false news involving the social-media personality known as “Ghana Jollof.” Police say their investigations established interactions and financial transactions between the two women.

Kamaldeen further argued that constitutional protections apply even to people accused of serious crimes and warned that the manner in which arrests are conducted could undermine public confidence in Ghana’s democracy.
He also called for a mass demonstration involving what he described as two million people to “send a signal” to the government and the international community.
“If we are not careful, our democracy would be destroyed,” he warned, adding that the current approach to arrests could create unrest in the country.

He further said the President should ensure state institutions operate within the law, arguing that the executive should ultimately be held politically accountable for the conduct of institutions under its authority.
The NPP has separately raised concerns over Bafoh’s continued detention, while police maintain that the case forms part of ongoing investigations into alleged publication and circulation of false information online.

By Maurice Otoo