Lawyer Frank Asare Pedro Esq. has criticized both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he describes as hypocrisy and inconsistency regarding freedom of speech and the abuse of state power.
According to him, it is “disgusting” to hear members of the NPP strongly defend free speech today when many of them supported the arrest and intimidation of critics during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He further expressed disappointment in some members of the ruling NDC who are now defending the alleged abuse of Sections 207 and 208 of Act 29 by the police, despite criticizing similar actions in the past when they were in opposition.
Lawyer Frank Asare Pedro Esq. questioned the principles of politicians, stressing that political power should not determine what is considered right or wrong.
What was wrong yesterday cannot be right today just because President John Dramani Mahama is in office. Likewise, what was right yesterday cannot suddenly become wrong simply because the NDC is now in power,” he stated.
He emphasized that no political party remains in power forever and called on leaders and citizens alike to focus on building strong democratic systems and institutions that will protect the rights of all Ghanaians whether in government or opposition.
The legal practitioner also cautioned the public to be responsible in their utterances, noting that freedom of expression without reasonable limitations could create disorder and threaten national peace.
He concluded by urging all Ghanaians to become defenders of democracy, fairness, and accountability in order to safeguard the country’s democratic future.
