NDC Communications Officer fires back at NPP over intimidation claims
Navrongo Central NDC communicator says freedom of speech must be exercised responsibly to protect peace and accountability
The Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Navrongo Central Constituency, Kelly Lemuel Babere, has strongly rejected accusations by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the current NDC administration is intimidating opposition supporters and undermining human rights.
According to him, the actions being criticized by the NPP are lawful measures aimed at maintaining order and ensuring accountability based on the conduct and public utterances of individuals.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday, May 22, Babere argued that the NPP lacks the moral authority to complain about intimidation and deteriorating human rights conditions, insisting that alleged abuses under the previous NPP administration were far worse.
He cited the case of investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, claiming the journalist sought safety outside the country due to threats and pressure stemming from his investigative reports on the NPP government.
Babere also referenced the late investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, alleging that a leading member of the NPP publicly displayed Ahmed Suale’s photograph on television and encouraged attacks against him before his eventual killing.
“Remember Ahmed Suale. A leading member of the NPP displayed his picture on television and said anybody who found him should beat him and come for money. In less than two weeks, the journalist was shot dead, and the NPP leadership remained silent and even defended the comments,” he claimed.
Babere maintained that the current government is not targeting critics, adding that political actors and citizens must understand that freedom of speech comes with responsibility.
He stressed that the manner in which individuals criticize political leaders matters, explaining that certain statements, attitudes, and public comments could have legal implications if they incite violence, spread false information, or create unnecessary tension in the country.
He further advised citizens and political commentators to exercise restraint and use their freedom of expression responsibly in order to safeguard peace and national stability.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
