Abronye’s Arrest Political Persecution? Kwesi Pratt Finally Speaks Out and Sets the Record Straight

Insight Newspaper Managing Editor Kwesi Pratt Jnr has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the detention of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Abronye DC was reportedly arrested over comments allegedly made against a judge.

During an appearance on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Pratt stated that freedom of expression is guaranteed under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution but is not an unlimited right. He explained that legal restrictions exist to safeguard public order and protect the rights of other individuals.

Pratt emphasised that freedom of speech is essential to democratic governance because it allows people to exchange ideas, challenge established views and contribute to social development.

He noted that several opinions now accepted by society were once considered unpopular before gaining recognition through public debate.

He cautioned that suppressing opposing views could weaken accountability and prevent the country from addressing important challenges.

Nevertheless, he maintained that freedom of expression must be exercised within the boundaries established by law.

Pratt pointed out that statements threatening public safety or capable of disturbing public peace may fall outside the protection of unrestricted expression.

He cited a hypothetical threat to kill the president and his wife as an example of a statement that could warrant legal action.

He further argued that arrests in such circumstances should not automatically be interpreted as violations of human rights.

According to him, authorities are entitled to act when individuals make statements that breach the law, as freedom of speech does not eliminate legal responsibility.

Pratt also expressed reservations about an NPP delegation’s decision to petition the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps over alleged human rights abuses and political intimidation.

He questioned why the party members were seeking foreign diplomatic involvement in issues he believed should be handled by Ghanaian institutions.

The discussion has added to the wider national debate over the balance between freedom of expression, public safety, constitutional rights and the enforcement of laws governing public conduct.

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