Presidential hopeful, Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, has publicly condemned the recent arrest and detention of Biekpe Sylvester by operatives of the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) in the Upper West Region.
Biekpe Sylvester, an NDC communicator was reportedly arrested on April 23, 2024, for using harsh language against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during a radio program in Wa.
Despite his eventual release late last night, Mr. Mornah in a press statement on Thursday, April 25, 2024, described the arrest as needless and worthy of condemnation.
He emphasized that free speech is a right guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, and any attempts by the government to criminalize it should be resisted.
“Be that as it may, his arrest and detention was needless and must be condemned in no uncertain terms”
“Free speech is guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution of our dear Republic and we cannot accept any attempts by this government to criminalise it for whatever reason”
Mr. Mornah further stated that in a democratic society like Ghana, no one, including the Vice President, is immune to criticism. He encouraged citizens to be critical of the country’s leadership, asserting that any leader who cannot withstand criticism does not deserve the people’s mandate.
“In a democracy like ours, no one is immune to criticism including His Excellency the Vice President. If anyone deems another to have defamed him or her, he or she is entitled to seek redress in -the Court of Law and not to resort to the use of security operatives to intimidate and trample upon the rights of innocent and discerning but vociferous citizens”
The presidential hopeful also warned against the use of intimidating tactics such as arbitrary arrests, stating that such actions would not be allowed to determine the country’s future.
He called for unity among citizens, urging them to speak with a common voice to build a better Ghana.
“Any leader who cannot stand being criticised does not merit the mandate of the people of Ghana,” the statement adviced.
Click here to read Bernard Mornah’s full statement
By: Bright Yao Dzakah | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
