Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has expressed deep concern regarding the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi, a dedicated youth activist of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former parliamentary aspirant.
He described the actions taken against Kumi as unnecessary and excessive, emphasizing the importance of understanding the impact such measures can have on individuals advocating for change.
Kumi, affectionately known as Adenta Kumi, was taken into custody by officials from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on the morning of May 23.
He has been charged with publishing false news, a situation that many might find distressing. The accusations relate to statements he made on his X (formerly Twitter) account and during a radio interview, all tied to a petition he submitted to the President.
At the heart of Kumi’s petition is a call for the dissolution of the committee investigating the Chief Justice. He raises concerns about potential misconduct that he believes could undermine the integrity of this crucial inquiry. T
Speaking on Channel One TV‘s The Big Issue on Saturday, May 24, Cudjoe expressed dismay at the handling of the situation, questioning why Kumi couldn’t have been invited for a statement instead of being subjected to what he described as a forceful raid by armed personnel.
“I am a bit surprised that we are still doing these things that we’ve all condemned in the past. I don’t understand why the person in question cannot just be invited and asked to make a statement. Why should it take armed men raiding a man’s house, detaining him for hours?” Cudjoe remarked.
The IMANI Africa leader further lamented the growing trend of aggressive enforcement over matters of alleged false publication, describing the actions as “mindless.”
“I don’t know who is pressing certain political buttons, but this thing is mindless. It is mindless, and I don’t think this act should go in the name of the president at all,” he emphasised.
CNR
