Weija-Gbawe MP accuses government of using investigations to silence opposition voices

Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe, has accused the government of deploying investigations and arrests as tools to silence opposition voices in Parliament. Speaking on the sidelines of the NPP Delegates Conference in Kumasi, he said the pattern of inviting, questioning or detaining opposition lawmakers has persisted for nearly 20 months, not just six months as suggested. He claimed that 75 to 80 percent of Parliamentarians have been summoned by EOCO, BNI or the Ghana Police Service since the current administration took office. Shaib argued that these actions are intended to cow MPs from speaking forcefully against the government, especially when their critiques touch on national issues. He cited the case of Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, MP for Manhyia South, who faces three money laundering charges and has been held in CID custody while appearing in court. Parliament had earlier issued a statement condemning the continued detention of Awuah, calling for due process. Shaib rejected claims that the Minority was being weakened, insisting that the government’s strategy aims to deter parliamentary scrutiny by creating legal uncertainty for opposition members. He warned that prolonged investigations could impair MPs’ ability to perform their duties, particularly when those under probe are those who raise critical questions on the floor. Shaib also questioned the timing and consistency of legal actions, noting that some individuals involved in serious offences have been granted bail while his colleague remains in custody despite voluntarily presenting himself for questioning. He stressed that a sitting MP should not be held for extended periods without clear justification, especially when he has cooperated with authorities. While acknowledging the risks inherent in political dissent, Shaib affirmed that some leaders are prepared to sacrifice for national interest. He referenced a statement attributed to former President John Mahama about the sacrifices of politics, underscoring the broader stakes for Ghana’s democracy.