Claims by the opposition New Patriotic Party that the governing National Democratic Congress administration is attempting to reintroduce the criminal libel law through recent arrests have sparked intense debate on Ahotor 92.3 FM’s Saturday political talk show, Yepe Ahunu, hosted by Nana Dogbe.
Speaking during the panel discussion, Fellow Chartered Economist and member of the NDC Communications Team, Dr. Julius Kwaku Kattah, strongly rejected the NPP’s claims, arguing that the enforcement of laws against alleged offensive or inciting comments should not be interpreted as a return to criminal libel. According to him, while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and fundamental human rights, it does not permit individuals to damage the reputation of others or make reckless statements capable of threatening public order and national peace.
Dr. Kattah questioned attempts to directly blame President John Dramani Mahama for recent arrests, insisting that the President is not a police officer and does not personally order arrests. He stressed that security agencies are mandated to enforce the laws of the country and that individuals who believe their rights have been violated have the option of seeking redress through the courts rather than politicizing law enforcement actions.
Referencing past events under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Dr. Kattah recalled the arrest of demonstrators linked to the Occupy Jubilee House protests against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. According to him, about 49 protesters were arrested despite peacefully demonstrating to draw attention to environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities.
He also accused elements within the NPP, particularly the vigilante group known as Delta Force, of previously engaging in acts of intimidation by storming public institutions and forcefully removing officials from office during the Akufo-Addo administration. He questioned why the opposition is now complaining about arrests and law enforcement actions when similar incidents allegedly occurred during their time in government.
Dr. Kattah argued that nothing extraordinary has happened under the current administration to justify claims of political persecution. He warned that individuals who continue to make statements capable of inciting violence or destabilizing the country should expect law enforcement agencies to act accordingly.
He further accused the previous NPP administration of economic mismanagement, alleging that funds intended for roads and infrastructure development were squandered during their eight years in office. According to him, some actions taken under the previous government amounted to “a crime against humanity,” yet attempts to investigate or hold officials accountable are often described by the opposition as political witch-hunting.
The political commentator also alleged that journalists and media practitioners faced intimidation and arrests during the previous administration, creating fear within sections of the media landscape. According to him, many radio commentators and journalists were at times afraid to openly express opinions because of concerns about possible arrests or harassment.
Dr. Kattah maintained that while political criticism is legitimate in a democracy, public commentary must be responsible and within the confines of the law. He stated that calling President Mahama incompetent or criticizing government policies is part of democratic discourse, but inflammatory statements and reckless utterances that threaten public peace should not be tolerated.
He further accused some elements within the opposition of deliberately attempting to distract the government and create tension to slow down national development. According to him, some members of the NPP openly declared before the elections that they would make the country ungovernable if they lost power.
Dr. Kattah therefore cautioned that any individual found engaging in acts that threaten public peace or incite violence should be dealt with according to the laws of the country, regardless of political affiliation or social status. He stressed that discipline, accountability, and respect for democratic institutions remain necessary for national stability and development.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe/Ahotoronline.com