The Research and Elections Officer of the NPP Belgium Branch, Raphael Godwyll Panford, has expressed concern over what he describes as increasing arrests and prosecutions of government critics and opposition-aligned voices in Ghana, warning that the trend could affect public confidence in democratic freedoms.

Mr. Panford, also known as “Raph” and a candidate for First Vice Chairman of the branch, made the remarks in an interview, where he argued that while civility in political discourse must be upheld, constitutional freedoms and due process must remain fully protected.

He stressed that responsible expression should be distinguished from conduct that breaches the law, insisting that democracy must accommodate dissenting views without fear or intimidation.

“I do not support politics of insults, character assassination, or the use of abusive and derogatory language against the President or any public official. Civility must remain a cornerstone of our democracy,” he said.

However, he cautioned that the growing number of arrests involving political figures, activists, and social media commentators has raised questions among sections of the public, including members of the diaspora, about the balance between law enforcement and political tolerance.

Mr. Panford referenced the ongoing legal proceedings involving NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC), as one of several cases generating public debate over bail conditions and judicial discretion.

While distancing himself from any alleged offensive remarks, he maintained that all individuals are entitled to fair treatment under the law and that justice must be both done and seen to be done.

“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” he stated.

He further argued that concerns about stringent bail conditions in politically sensitive cases should not be dismissed, as they risk creating perceptions of punishment before conviction.

Beyond legal issues, Mr. Panford urged government to prioritise economic challenges, including unemployment, inflation, cost of living pressures, and environmental concerns such as flooding and illegal mining.

He also highlighted challenges facing cocoa farmers and rural communities, describing agriculture as a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy requiring sustained support.

According to him, environmental degradation linked to illegal mining continues to pose a serious threat to water bodies and farmlands.

“The destruction of our rivers and forests through illegal mining should concern every Ghanaian,” he said.

Mr. Panford called for political restraint and unity, urging both government and opposition supporters to avoid actions that could deepen divisions in society.

He emphasised that Ghana’s democratic strength lies in tolerance and peaceful competition of ideas, not hostility. “Political opponents are not enemies; they are fellow citizens with different views,” he noted.

He added that governance efforts should focus on improving livelihoods through job creation, economic stability, and social development rather than political confrontation.