In a dramatic political development, the outspoken Bono Regional Chairman of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service. The arrest follows his formal request for political asylum in eight foreign countries, citing intense political persecution and threats to his life under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
The Arrest and Asylum Request
According to a report by citinewsroom.com, details surrounding the reasons for his sudden arrest remain unclear. This police action comes directly after Abronye DC publicly sought security protection and political asylum from several nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, and Spain.
The politician outlined four primary reasons for his unprecedented request: threats of unlawful arrest and detention, systematic intimidation, targeted harassment, and an escalating pattern of persecution since the NDC administration took office.
Citing Political Persecution and Threats
In a detailed statement, Abronye DC claimed his troubles began in February 2025, shortly after the new government was inaugurated. He stated he was the first opposition figure to be arrested and detained by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB), held for over 13 hours. This arrest, he alleges, was a direct response to his public criticism of the government’s mass dismissal of over 150,000 Ghanaian workers without due process.
He recounted being threatened and intimidated during his detention, with warnings to cease his criticism of the government or face "severe reprisals in the future." Abronye DC further expressed alarm over a recent trend of opposition politicians being detained beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit without bail, creating a climate of fear for government critics.
Conclusion: A Climate of Fear
Abronye DC’s arrest amplifies his claims of a targeted campaign against opposition voices. He maintains that these actions confirm the "imminent and grave danger" to both himself and his family, justifying his seek for international protection. This incident marks a significant escalation in Ghana's political tensions, drawing attention to the state of democratic dissent and the rule of law under the current administration. The situation continues to develop as the public awaits an official statement from the Ghana Police Service regarding the charges behind the arrest.