Culture Of Silence Is Returning : NPP Bono Communications Director, Others Warns President Mahama

The Bono Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and other concerned party communicators have issued a stern warning to President John Mahama, cautioning him about the return of the “culture of silence” in Ghana.

In a statement sighted by MyGhanaMedia.com, the NPP officials are alarmed by the growing trend of intimidation and harassment of individuals who express dissenting opinions or criticize the government.

They believe that this trend is reminiscent of the “culture of silence” that was prevalent during the PNDC era, where people were afraid to speak out against the government due to fear of reprisal.

 

 

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The NPP officials are urging President Mahama to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that the rights of citizens to free speech and expression are protected.

They argue that the return of the “culture of silence” would undermine Ghana’s democratic gains and have serious consequences for the country’s development.

Their statement followed the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) order to shut down seven media outlets, as well as the National Investigation Bureau’s (NIB) summons of Mr. Kwame Baffoe Abronye, the NPP’s Bono Regional Chairman and a strong opponent of the NDC.

 

 

The full statement can be found below.

 

22 02 2025

CULTURE of SILENCE and ATTACK on FREE SPEECH RETURNING UNDER PRESIDENT JOHN
MAHAMA

 

The disturbing wave of attacks on press freedom and political expression in Ghana under President John Mahama’s administration is a clear indication that the dreaded culture of silence is making an unwelcome return. In just two months since assuming office, more than seven journalists and media outlets have suffered violence for simply carrying out their professional duties. Additionally, over six radio stations and media houses—some of which are affiliated with the opposition NPP—have been forcibly shut down in a blatant assault on free speech and democracy.

 

More alarmingly, the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), a state agency, is now being subtly deployed to intimidate and silence political critics. A clear example is the recent invitation of Mr. Kwame Baffoe Abronye, the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, a vocal critic of the NDC. This invitation smacks of an attempt to muzzle critics and instill fear in individuals who are bold enough to speak up, particularly for the youth of Ghana, who have been dealt a severe blow following the revocation of employment contracts for over 80,000 young Ghanaians.

This development is particularly worrying when juxtaposed with the level of political tolerance exhibited under the tenure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. During his administration, members of the then-opposition NDC, including Mr. Okudjeto Ablakwa, Mr. Fiifi Kwetey, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, and Mr. Sam George, consistently made unsubstantiated and baseless allegations against the government. Not once were any of these individuals summoned by the NIB for interrogation. Why hasn’t the NIB invited Richard Jakpa for his unlawful entry into the home of the former Finance Minister? Instead of trying to intimidate political opponents, President John Mahama should use that same energy to ensure safety for mobile money vendors who have suffered three murders in recent weeks. What is President John Mahama doing about the crisis in Bawku and its environs?

 

We firmly believe that the invitation of Chairman Kwame Baffoe is a veiled attempt to undermine free speech and freedom in Ghana. This must not be countenanced. As Elon Musk aptly puts it, “If we lose freedom of speech, it is never coming back.” Ghana has already experienced the hellish dark days of a culture of silence, where individuals were prohibited from freely expressing their views. It was not until President Nana Addo, then Attorney General under President Kufuor, decriminalized speech-related offenses that Ghanaians began to enjoy the freedoms enshrined in our democracy.]

We refuse to sit back and watch President John Mahama reintroduce this oppressive era. Such regression would spell the death of democracy in Ghana. The government must immediately cease all attempts to intimidate political critics, reopen the media houses that have been shutdown, and ensure the safety of journalists. Ghana’s democracy must be protected, and we shall not relent in defending our constitutional right to free speech.

END

 

Signed.
GABRIEL KORANG ABABIO
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, NPP
0594920505

BONO REGION

 

PAUL YANDOH
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, NPP
0262 289 118
ASHANTI REGION

 

AMOAH SAMSON
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, NPP
0546 623 275
BONO EAST

 

ANDREWS FRIMPONG
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, NPP
0244 630 403
AHAFO REGION

 

 

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