NPP Accuses Mahama of Criminalising Free Speech After Arrest of Agona West Organiser

NPP Accuses Mahama of Criminalising Free Speech After Arrest of Agona West Organiser

  • The NPP has accused President John Dramani Mahama of “criminalising free speech” following the arrest of its Agona West Constituency Organiser
  • Essendon was reportedly arrested on Monday, May 11, 2026, over allegations of publishing false news, though full details of the case remain unclear
  • The party’s National Youth Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, has condemned the arrest, describing it as a threat to democratic freedoms

The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused President John Dramani Mahama of “criminalising free speech” following the arrest of its Agona West Constituency Organiser, David Essendoh, popularly known as “Sam Toys”.

David Essendoh was reportedly picked up in the evening of Monday, May 11, 2026, by security officials over allegations relating to the publication of false news.

Agona West, NPP Organiser, David Essendoh, Sam Toys, arrested, National Security, police team, false news publication, Henry Nana Boakye, Nana B
NPP's youth organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, accuses President John Mahama of criminalising free speech after the arrest of David Essendoh. Photo credit: Nana B, David Essendoh & John Dramani Mhama
Source: Facebook

Details surrounding the specific content of the allegation remain unclear.

The NPP’s National Youth Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, has strongly condemned the arrest, describing it as part of a worrying trend that threatens democratic freedoms.

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He argued that the development reflects an attempt to silence political opponents under the current administration, warning that such actions could undermine public trust in state institutions.

Meanwhile, Essendon’s arrest has sparked concern within the Agona West constituency, with party supporters calling for clarity on the charges and his immediate release. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

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Meanwhile. YEN.com.gh reported that the Ashanti South Police Command had confirmed it will prosecute four suspects arrested for illegal mining in the Krobo Forest Reserve.

The suspects were arrested during a joint anti-galamsey operation, with excavators and equipment seized near the Oda River.

Authorities disclosed that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to protect the environment and curb illegal mining activities.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Salifu Bagulube Moro avatar

Salifu Bagulube Moro (Human-Interest Editor) Salifu Bagulube Moro is a Current Affairs Editor at YEN.com.gh. He has over five years of experience in journalism. He graduated from the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 2018, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with a specialization in Journalism. Salifu previously worked with Opera News as a Content Management Systems (CMS) Editor. He also worked as an Online Reporter for the Ghanatalksbusiness.com news portal, as well as with the Graphic Communications Group Limited as a National Service Person. Salifu joined YEN.com.gh in 2024. Email: salifu.moro@yen.com.gh.