Using State Security to Intimidate Opponents Threatens Our Democracy- Afenyo-Markin
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has condemned the government’s use of state security to intimidate opponents.
This followed the arrest of broadcast journalist Okatakyie Afrifa who has been a vocal critic of the government.
According to him, it reflects the government’s intolerance for opposing views.
In a Facebook post, the lawmaker highlighted the potential consequences of such conduct for staining the country’s reputation as a democratic state.
“It started with Abronye. Now it’s Okatakyie Afrifa. The NDC Government must be tolerant! Using State Security to intimidate opponents is not good for our democracy! Okatakyie Afrifa must be released now!!!”
It was reported that journalist Afrifa was arrested by National Security Operatives on Wednesday evening at school.
A statement issued by the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye, ten hours ago confirmed the journalist was released late in the night.
However, he described the arrest as “unwarranted” and “unnecessary”.
“We have just left the premises of National Security, and it is very disappointing to say that the arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa by National Security operatives after his exams this evening was completely unnecessary and unwarranted.”
“Thanks to the efforts of several individuals who intervened, he has been released. Free speech cannot be suppressed under the guise of an investigation. If that is the case, then National Security should be prepared to arrest all of us.”
A section of Ghanaians have criticized the arrest of the journalist, seeking the motivation for it.
Source: opmsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
