I don’t feel safe, but I love debate – NPP’s Miracles Aboagye says free speech must be protected

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a hopeful National Communications Officer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed his apprehension regarding the safety of individuals who openly share their viewpoints. In an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, Mr Aboagye clarified that his unease is not rooted in a direct threat to his life, but rather in the potential consequences his outspoken nature might bring.

He spoke out following his previous concerns about the selective justice meted out to political opponents within Ghana’s justice system. Mr Aboagye warned that actions against political opponents while in power could set a dangerous precedent that might affect others if political power shifts. He emphasized that governments do not hold onto power indefinitely and urged political actors to consider how their actions could be used against them in the future.

"It may be CPP, it may be PNC, be it PNP, but what you are basically telling the country is that tomorrow, when another party is in power, you see, no government will be in power forever," he stated. Drawing from Ghana’s history, including periods of military rule, Mr Aboagye argued that political power eventually changes hands.

"Even in our darkest ages, even with military rule, there was change of government," he added. He further explained that targeting opponents for their vocal nature could create a precedent that may later be employed against others. "I don’t feel safe. I won’t lie to you. I told you I’ve written to the Chief Justice. I personally, I don’t feel safe," he admitted.

When asked why he felt unsafe, Mr Aboagye attributed it to his decision to continue speaking candidly about national issues. "Because I talk. I can’t stop talking. I can’t. I love to talk. I love to debate," he explained. Clarifying his concerns, he reiterated that he was not implying his life was in danger, but that his outspoken demeanor could pose challenges for him.

"I feel that my mouth will put me into trouble. That is what I feel," he said. Mr Aboagye extended his concerns to encompass many others who engage in public discourse, stating that they too fear being targeted for expressing their opinions. "So the 1000s of people who are coming on the streets tomorrow. That is how most of them feel," he said.

He underscored that free speech represents one of Ghana’s vital democratic values and must be safeguarded. "If we don’t have anything at all in Ghana, it is our free speech, it’s our democracy, it’s the fact that we are able to freely express ourselves without any fear of being targeted," he emphasized. Mr Aboagye cautioned political actors against rejoicing over the targeting of opponents, saying the same actions could impact them in the future.

He warned, "If you are in government today and you are excited, you are happy that some of your opponents are being targeted because you think they are loud, they have free speech and everything, you should be worried."