The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for the immediate release of its member and former spokesperson for the 2024 presidential campaign of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, following his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) at the Accra International Airport.
According to a statement issued by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, Mr Aboagye was arrested by EOCO officers with the assistance of immigration officials shortly after arriving in Ghana from abroad.
The statement said Mr Aboagye was taken into custody and that, as of the time of the release, neither his family nor legal representatives had been informed of his whereabouts or the reasons for his arrest.
The party further alleged that his lawyers had been denied access to him and that no formal charges had been filed.
The circumstances surrounding the arrest and the specific allegations against Mr Aboagye have not yet been made public by EOCO.
The NPP described the arrest as an act of intimidation rather than a legitimate law enforcement action, arguing that Mr Aboagye has been an outspoken critic of the government on issues including illegal mining, utility tariff increases and economic policy.
The party also noted that the arrest came shortly after Mr Aboagye reportedly received support from some party supporters on social media following indications of his intention to contest for the position of National Communications Director of the NPP.
According to the statement, the timing of the arrest had raised concerns among party members that the action may have been politically motivated.
The NPP has consequently made three demands to EOCO and the government: the immediate release of Mr Aboagye or his formal arraignment before a court if evidence of wrongdoing exists; unrestricted access to his lawyers and family in accordance with Article 14(2) of the 1992 Constitution; and an end to what it described as politically motivated arrests and detentions of opposition party members.
The party further cautioned against the use of state institutions for partisan purposes, stressing that public institutions must operate independently and within the law.
“Ghanaians are watching, and Ghana’s institutions will outlive this government,” the statement said.
The NPP also appealed to its supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the matter is addressed through the appropriate legal channels.
