Deputy Communications Officer of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Gowin Ako Gun, has strongly criticised the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its recent petition to the diplomatic community concerning issues of free speech and alleged political intimidation in Ghana.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu, Mr. Ako Gun said the recent posture of the NPP, including comments by former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and some party executives, suggests the party still believes Ghana is operating in “the olden days,” when people could make statements without accountability.
According to him, Ghana’s democratic dispensation has evolved significantly under the 1992 Constitution, and citizens are now expected to take responsibility for their public utterances.
He argued that if the NPP still fails to appreciate the democratic progress Ghana has made, it raises serious concerns about the type of governance approach the party may adopt should it return to power.
Mr. Ako Gun further claimed that the NPP often behaves as though it is superior to other political parties and acts as if Ghana belongs exclusively to them, while other political parties, including the NDC, are merely temporary occupants of power.
According to him, some members of the NPP appear to believe that certain laws in the country should not apply equally to everyone, especially when matters involve members of the NDC.
Drawing comparisons to past political events, Mr. Ako Gun referenced the legal challenges involving former NDC National Chairman Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo during the previous NPP administration.
He recalled that Chairman Ofosu-Ampofo reportedly appeared in court several times under the NPP government and recounted one particular incident which, according to him, remains deeply troubling.
Mr. Ako Gun alleged that after Chairman Ofosu-Ampofo underwent surgery abroad, his lawyers appealed to the court for additional time to allow him to recover before returning to Ghana to continue his court appearances. However, he claimed the request was resisted, forcing the former chairman to travel back to Ghana despite his health condition.
According to him, after enduring the difficult journey and preparing to appear before the court the following day, the then Attorney General was allegedly unavailable, resulting in the postponement of the case.
He described the situation as unfair and emotionally painful, questioning what he termed the “wickedness” of the political system at the time.
Mr. Ako Gun also reacted strongly to alleged comments by some NPP activists threatening to make the country ungovernable or attack NDC offices should court rulings go against members of the opposition party.
According to him, such comments border on national security concerns and should not be dismissed as ordinary political rhetoric.
He questioned why individuals who make such statements are allowed to move freely without being invited by the police for questioning.
Mr. Ako Gun specifically called on the Ghana Police Service and the Inspector-General of Police to invite NPP Youth Organiser Salam for questioning over comments allegedly suggesting plans to “weaponise” party supporters.
According to him, such statements must be treated seriously, particularly considering Ghana’s political history and the activities of groups such as the so-called “Invisible Forces” during previous political administrations.
He maintained that the NDC has consistently demonstrated restraint and respect for the rule of law, insisting that the party does not control the security agencies and always allows lawful processes to take their course.
Mr. Ako Gun further recounted his own experience in detention, claiming he spent one week at Akuse Prison and three weeks at Nsawam Prison — experiences he said he would never wish on anyone.
He stressed that he was not advocating political persecution but rather accountability and responsibility in public discourse.
According to him, irresponsible comments capable of threatening peace and national stability should never be tolerated, regardless of political affiliation.
He also rejected suggestions that the NDC would be responsible for arrests carried out by state security agencies, insisting that political parties do not carry out arrests and that law enforcement agencies operate independently.
Mr. Ako Gun concluded by cautioning political actors against inflammatory rhetoric, stressing that while every political party seeks political power, Ghana’s peace, democracy, and national security must remain the top priority.
Story by: Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah