Government’s recent clampdown on opposition figures has been described as part of a deliberate plan to silence dissent and pave the way for President John Mahama’s alleged third-term ambition. Akosua Manu (Kozie), speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, accused the administration of using arrests and excessive bail conditions to intimidate critics.
She cited the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye as evidence of a broader strategy to weaken opposition voices. According to her, civil society organisations have grown less outspoken, leaving the opposition as the only group consistently challenging government actions. Kozie argued that the use of “obscene bail conditions” is designed to gag political opponents and discourage public criticism.
Kozie further alleged that these tactics are linked to a plan to undermine constitutional governance and prepare the ground for a third-term bid by President Mahama. “This is paving the way for a third-term agenda,” she said, warning that tampering with presidential term limits could entrench authoritarian rule under the guise of democracy.
She also pointed to the ongoing proceedings involving Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, noting that public silence on such issues has emboldened government to act with impunity. Kozie criticised flagship policies such as the 24-Hour Economy, arguing that they have failed to deliver on promises of jobs and economic relief, while dissenting voices are being targeted instead of engaged.
The debate comes against the backdrop of a suit before the Supreme Court seeking interpretation of constitutional provisions on presidential term limits. President Mahama has publicly denied any intention to seek a third term or amend the Constitution. However, Kozie’s remarks reflect growing unease about the government’s handling of dissent and the perception of creeping authoritarianism.
Observers warn that repeated arrests of opposition figures risk eroding Ghana’s democratic credentials and deepening public mistrust. For many, the issue is not only about individual arrests but about the broader implications for constitutional governance and political accountability.
