NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye slams NDC for intolerance and describes the arrest of journalist Okatakyie Afrifa as “useless.”
The National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Henry Nana Boakye, has sharply criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he describes as a growing culture of intolerance, particularly in regard to the arrest of journalist Okatakyie Afrifa.
Nana Boakye, speaking on Kessben Maakye with Kwame Appiah Kubi, expressed his strong disapproval of the NDC’s actions, labeling the arrest as “useless” and an example of the opposition party’s inability to tolerate dissenting voices within the media and political spheres.
Okatakyie Afrifa, a well-known journalist, was arrested on Wednesday evening under unclear circumstances, with reports indicating that the arrest was related to his work as a journalist. The arrest sparked widespread condemnation from media organizations and civil society groups, who decried the move as an attack on press freedom and an attempt to stifle independent journalism. Afrifa was later released that same night, though the reasons for his detention and subsequent release remain a topic of debate.
The NPP National Organizer further accused the NDC of having a history of using intimidation tactics against the media, a practice that he believes undermines the principles of democracy. According to Nana Boakye, these actions reflect a broader pattern within the NDC of curbing free expression in favor of protecting the party’s interests.
Okatakyie Afrifa, a journalist who has gained recognition for his critical reporting, was apprehended by law enforcement officials on Wednesday. Although the specific charges against Afrifa remain unclear, reports suggest that the arrest was related to his recent investigative work and his vocal criticism of the NDC.
Afrifa’s arrest sparked immediate backlash, with many journalists, media organizations, and advocacy groups condemning the move as an affront to press freedom. Several groups, including the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), called for the immediate release of Afrifa, describing his detention as a direct attack on the freedom of the press.
Later in the evening, Okatakyie Afrifa was released from police custody. While the circumstances of his release remain unclear, the incident has left many questioning the motives behind the arrest and the state of press freedom under the current political environment.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
