NPP Executives Demand Release of Foot Soldier Arrested Over Facebook Post On Jane Opoku-Agyemang
- New Patriotic Party executives have protested the arrest of an opposition party supporter, Mohammed Amadou Zakou
- He was arrested by the National Intelligence Bureau in April after comments online on the health status of the Vice President
- Zakou was arrested and subsequently granted a bail fee of GH¢100,000 after being arraigned at the Achimota Circuit Court
New Patriotic Party executives have demanded the release of a party social media activist, Mohammed Amadou Zakou, who was arrested by the National Intelligence Bureau.
Zakou is believed to have been arrested on April 12 over a controversial Facebook post relating to the health status of Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
Source: Facebook
His post suggested the Vice President had died by saying, 'Rest Well Her Excellency', accompanied by crying emojis.
As of April 13, some executives and notable figures in the NPP were demanding the party supporter's release.
Salam Mustapha, the NPP's youth organiser, called the arrest a low blow for the opposition party.
"Amadou, I've known over the period has been a hardworking youth activist of the party. I'm not sure he made the said post out of malice. Therefore to arrest is not right."
He complained that the recent arrests of persons tied to the NPP and Akufo-Addo administration were excessive.
"It's abuse of power and an attempt to intimidate the opposition party. This is unacceptable. You can't invite him and caution? Must everything be brute force?"
In comments to YEN.com.gh, an NPP communicator, Dr. Ezekiel Agyekum-Obeng indicated that the party expected Zakou to be granted bail on April 14 by the Achimota Circuit Court.
"We are in court now and have prayed for bail awaiting the judge’s ruling... But he will be granted bail."
In line with this, Zakou was subsequently granted GH¢100,000 bail.
What happened to Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang?
Opoku-Agyemang was hospitalised at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on March 29 after falling ill on the same day.
The statement also noted that the Vice President was expected to seek further treatment abroad.
For the Economic Fighters League, her expected travel abroad raised questions about Ghana's healthcare system.
In her first comment on the health concerns, Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged well wishes towards her.
Source: Instagram
The most recent update on the Vice President's health came on April 9.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, said Opoku-Agyemang was in good health and taking a rest.
The female politician started a three-week medical leave starting April 7, 2025, following doctor's orders.
Failed attempt to arrest NPP MP
The Minority in Parliament prevented the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) from arresting the MP for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, on April 9.
The minority said no formal charges or warrants were presented during an attempted arrest of Fordjour
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused the government of intimidation tactics in the operation.
He also called the National Investigations Bureau’s actions an attack on parliamentary oversight.
The Minority further called on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, to take urgent steps to ensure that interactions between lawmakers and security agencies are conducted strictly in adherence to constitutional provisions and established parliamentary protocols.
In a memo addressed to the Speaker, the Minority, through its Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, expressed concern that the National Investigations Bureau officials acted without regard for the procedures that govern engagements with Members of Parliament.
Fordjour was targeted after he claimed two flights at the Kotoka International Airport, were involved in illicit activities.
The legislator further stated that he had it on good authority that the planes, suspected to be carrying narcotics, had landed at the Kotoka International Airport in March.
The flights, an air ambulance and a private jet, allegedly remained in the country for several days before their departure, raising concerns over their purpose and cargo.
Okatakyie released after second arrest
YEN.com.gh reported that broadcaster Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah was released from police custody following his arrest in March.
The journalist was picked up by the Cyber Crime Unit of the police in what turned out to be his second arrest in two weeks.
The news triggered massive reactions on social media and he was released hours after a campaign to get him freed started.
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Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Delali Adogla-Bessa (Head of Current Affairs and Politics Desk) Delali Adogla-Bessa is a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh. Delali previously worked as a freelance journalist in Ghana and has over seven years of experience in media, primarily with Citi FM, Equal Times, Ubuntu Times. Delali also volunteers with the Ghana Institute of Language Literacy and Bible Translation, where he documents efforts to preserve local languages. He graduated from the University of Ghana in 2014 with a BA in Information Studies. Email: delali.adogla-bessa@yen.com.gh.
Bruce Douglas (Senior Copyeditor) Bruce Douglas has 13 years of experience in community media, including coverage of sports, human interest, crime and politics.
