Even when you cough, they come after you — Abanga accuses Mahama govt of criminalising free speech

Newly elected NPP National Youth Organiser Abanga Fuseini Yakubu has criticized the Mahama government for creating an atmosphere where citizens are increasingly intimidated by the prospect of speaking out against those in power. He argued that social media posts have drawn the scrutiny of state security agencies, contributing to rising frustration among young people.

Mr. Abanga stated that the government's handling of critics constitutes a restriction on free expression and warned that such measures could exacerbate public dissatisfaction with the administration. "This government, whatever you do, they will come after you. Even on social media, using certain words can see you picked up by the EOCO the following day," he claimed.

During an interview on JoyNews' PM Express programme on Tuesday, October 6, Mr Abanga expressed that the situation had become so dire that individuals can no longer voice their opinions about the government without fear of consequences. "Free speech has been criminalized to the extent that one cannot even criticize the government," he asserted.

He used the case of a woman allegedly connected to a social media account being arrested as an example of the government's intolerance of dissent. Mr. Abanga emphasized that young people are particularly troubled by what he perceives as a diminishing space for criticism. He called on the government to reconsider its stance on criticism and permit citizens to express their views without the threat of intimidation or arrest.