NPP Condemns Mahama Administration Over Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah’s Arrest

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has strongly criticized the Mahama administration over the arrest of journalist Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah by security personnel on Wednesday, March 19.

NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, described the arrest as a serious threat to democracy and press freedom, warning that such actions could undermine fundamental rights.

"The arrest of Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, a journalist, by the NDC government is a dangerous attack on democracy and freedom of speech! Ghana must not descend into tyranny. He must be released NOW!" Frimpong stated in a Facebook post before Afrifa Mensah’s release.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also denounced the arrest, calling on the Mahama administration to tolerate opposing views rather than use state security to suppress dissent.

"It started with Abronye. Now it’s Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah. The NDC Government must be tolerant! Using State Security to intimidate opponents is not good for our democracy! Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah must be released now!" he posted.

Adding to the growing concerns, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a private legal practitioner and Convener of the Fix The Country Movement, demanded an official explanation for the journalist’s arrest.

Afrifa Mensah, known for hosting the social media program “FOR THE RECORDS”, was reportedly taken into custody, sparking public outrage.

The NPP has condemned the arrest, describing it as an assault on democracy and press freedom and urging the government to respect constitutional rights.