Kpebu Warns Mahama Government Over Arrests Linked To Political Comments
Lawyer Martin Kpebu has cautioned President John Mahama that continued arrests linked to political comments could gradually erode the goodwill enjoyed by his administration.
Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, August 8, Mr Kpebu urged the government to reconsider how it responds to criticism and controversial political commentary.
According to him, repeated arrests over speech-related matters could create growing public dissatisfaction and eventually undermine the government's popularity.
“These things start small; before he realises, all the goodwill is gone. Let the people talk,” he said.
Mr Kpebu also called on the government to “sit up”, arguing that arrests should not be used as a means of silencing people or dealing with offensive political statements.
“You can't shut people down by arrests. I think the government should sit up,” he said.
He further claimed that the current administration had recorded more arrests over free speech-related matters within its first 18 months in office than the Nana Akufo-Addo administration recorded during its eight-year tenure.
“For one and a half years, this current government has arrested more people on matters of free speech than Akufo-Addo's eight years.
It is a bad record for John Mahama; they should be careful. Mahama should pay attention,” he said.
Mr Kpebu stressed that allowing citizens to express their views, including harsh or offensive political opinions, was important to maintaining public confidence in government.
He suggested that authorities should consider alternatives to arrest when dealing with offensive public commentary, including financial penalties or other lawful measures where appropriate.
Mr Kpebu's comments come amid broader public debate over the government's handling of political speech and the balance between protecting public order and safeguarding freedom of expression.
-Overseeronline.com
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