Over 16 NPP members arrested over social media commentary – Oppong Nkrumah alleges

Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi and former Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of arresting more than 16 members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) since taking office.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Mr Oppong Nkrumah alleged that the arrests were linked to social media posts and public comments considered critical of the government.

According to him, several individuals have been detained for expressing opinions online that the authorities reportedly found objectionable.

“Over sixteen NPP persons have been arrested for simply making comments on social media or posting things on social media that the government finds unpalatable,” he claimed.

He made the remarks while commenting on the arrest and detention of Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, who has recently been at the centre of political controversy.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah said Abronye DC had been denied bail and remained in detention since the previous Wednesday, expressing concern over what he described as prolonged custody.

He further alleged that since Abronye’s arrest, his family members, political associates, and legal representatives had been denied access to him.

The MP also accused the government of using arrests and detention as a means of silencing political opponents and critics.

“Using arrest, detention, remand as a tool to suppress voices that they do not feel comfortable with,” he said.

He argued that the alleged approach is intended to intimidate critics and discourage public commentary on governance and state performance.

“The whole idea is to intimidate people and ensure that everybody keeps quiet when they are failing on delivering on the promises they made to the Ghanaian people,” he added.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah maintained that the opposition NPP would respond through both public advocacy and legal processes to address what they describe as political persecution.

“We will use the platforms of public advocacy to call that out as well while we do what is necessary through the judicial system,” he stated.

The allegations add to ongoing political tensions between Ghana’s two major parties, the NPP and the NDC, as both sides continue to exchange accusations over governance, accountability, and the handling of dissenting voices.

Authorities from the government have not yet publicly responded to the specific claims made by the MP.