An operative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), James Agbey has expressed concerns over what he describes as attempts by the police to target NDC-affiliated youth groups in Kumasi. Agbey’s comments come amidst heightened political activity ahead of Ghana’s December 7 general elections.

Speaking on the issue with the media, Agbey stated that some youth groups in Kumasi had recently called for fairness in the Electoral Commission’s (EC) conduct of its duties to ensure free and fair elections.

However, he alleges that the police have since sought to crack down on these groups, actions he believes could further polarize the political climate.

“We are just 17 days away from the general elections, and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere is crucial. Any heavy-handed actions by the police against lawful expressions of concern could undermine public confidence and escalate tensions,” Agbey noted.

Agbey further criticized the perceived uneven application of the law, pointing out that figures from other political parties had made more inflammatory statements without facing similar police scrutiny.

He called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that the police remain impartial and committed to their constitutional mandate of safeguarding the country.

“The police must prioritize loyalty to the nation, not to any temporary government. Their actions should promote peace and protect citizens' rights to lawful expression,” he added.

Agbey concluded by reaffirming the NDC’s commitment to defending the rights of its members while urging the police to avoid actions that could breed civil unrest.

He called for all stakeholders to work towards ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process.

The comments come at a critical time as Ghana’s political and security apparatus strive to maintain order in the run-up to one of the nation’s most pivotal elections.