Audio By Carbonatix The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has dismissed allegations by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the government is attempting to suppress free speech, insisting that recent arrests are lawful and necessary to maintain order. Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Mr. Gbande questioned claims that the government is gagging citizens. “Why would anyone say we are trying to gag people from expressing their views? The NDC and its government find ourselves on a trajectory where they have been accused by a large portion of our people in this country of pampering the NPP, tolerating their ills and misconduct, and over-tolerating their destructive tendencies and obstructionist behaviour. "That, for me, is not democracy. We are not building a banana republic. We are a country governed by the full rigour of the rule of law," he said. His comments were in response to accusations by the NPP following its demonstration in Sunyani, where the party alleged increasing intimidation and politically motivated arrests under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama. Mr. Gbande maintained that while freedom of expression is guaranteed under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, it is not absolute and must be exercised responsibly within the confines of the law. “It is the responsibility of every government to ensure that citizens behave in a manner that does not jeopardise public order and national security,” he stated. He rejected claims that arrests of individuals amount to political persecution, arguing that law enforcement agencies are acting within their mandate. “If someone commits an offence and is arrested, it does not mean there is no rule of law simply because the person belongs to the NPP,” he added. The NDC official also criticised the opposition’s demonstration, describing it as an attempt to misrepresent lawful processes and deflect attention from its own record in government. According to him, the NPP’s current position in opposition is a result of what he described as past mismanagement, corruption, and poor governance. “The NPP did not go into opposition because of demonstrations. They are there because of their own actions,” he said. Mr. Gbande emphasised that Ghana’s democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary, remain functional and capable of addressing any grievances arising from arrests or law enforcement actions. DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Tags: Free speech Mustapha Gbande NDC NPP DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited. Related to this story NPP calls on CSOs, global community to safeguard Ghana’s democracy NPP dismisses dues diversion claims, clarifies official payment shortcode NPP investment in my training has shaped my political organisation Skills – Sammi Awuku NPP to hold ‘Yen Suro Ahunahuna’ protest in Sunyani over party official’s arrest Asiedu Nketia breaks self-imposed media silence, hails Lambussie FM as tool for local voice OSP was born as a ‘political tool’ for NPP – Edudzi Tameklo Asiedu Nketia credits internal reconciliation strategy for NDC gains in Upper West Who is Archibald Hyde? Minority questions links to NDC and Attorney-General Kennedy Agyapong is not interested in leading ‘The Base Movement’ – Ahiagbah NPP to stage ‘Yen Suro Ahunahuna’ demo over alleged harassment of members Latest Stories Teshie Nungua to face planned power interruptions as ECG upgrades transformers from April 28–306 minutes NDC defends arrests, rejects claims of free speech crackdown26 minutes NPP calls on CSOs, global community to safeguard Ghana’s democracy28 minutes Delta Air Lines partners Amazon Leo to deliver faster in-flight internet; Ghana routes expected to benefit40 minutes Accra Metropolitan University launches MSc programmes in Cybersecurity and Intelligence1 hour Today’s Front pages: Thursday, April 23, 20261 hour Poverty in A Convoy1 hour Former CSA boss calls for shift from curriculum to capability in cybersecurity training1 hour Ghana Publishers Association marks World Book and Copyright Day with call to strengthen reading culture2 hours Nominations open for Ghana AI Summit & Awards 20262 hours Vaccines protect millions in Africa, but gaps still leave children behind2 hours Removed or Rescued? The harsh reality of deportations in a world on the move3 hours Cocoa farmers warn bumper harvest threatened by payment delays3 hours Cybercrime costs set to hit $10.5t globally – Ghana urged to treat cybersecurity as boardroom priority3 hours MTN Ghana Foundation opens applications for 2026 Bright Scholarship3 hours