The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Constituency Youth Organiser for Zebilla in the Upper East Region, Samuel Akumbo Awintariba, says what he describes as pressure and intimidation of party members by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is gradually uniting the opposition ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on A1 Radio, the aspiring Upper East Regional Youth Organiser of the NPP said opposition parties often become stronger when faced with political pressure and internal challenges.
According to him, the party’s grassroots are becoming more united because of what he described as intimidation and harassment of members and sympathisers.
“And what I want to congratulate the NDC for is what they are currently doing. They are intimidating the NPP, and that is actually uniting the NPP,” he stated.
He said two major factors typically strengthen political parties in opposition: the desire to return to power and what he described as pressure from the ruling government.
“The grassroots are currently very hungry for power. They are hungry for everything. And you know what? Two enemies can gang together to fight an enemy. That means the NDC, by intimidating us, is rather bringing the party back together,” he added.
He further alleged that the current political atmosphere has created fear among some opposition members, claiming that individuals could be picked up or detained for comments perceived as political.
According to him, recent arrests and detentions of some individuals, including public figures, raise concerns about freedom of speech and association.
He referenced dancehall artiste Shatta Wale and private legal practitioner Martin Luther Kpebu in expressing his concerns about what he described as an atmosphere of intimidation.
He argued that although some individuals are arrested or detained, many are later released without prosecution, a development he said creates fear among citizens and opposition supporters.
The youth organiser maintained that the situation is not only affecting party members but is also drawing sympathy from sections of the public.
He said the perceived pressure from the governing party is helping to close internal divisions within the NPP and strengthen the resolve of its supporters ahead of the next general elections.
He added that despite being in opposition, the NPP remains focused on reorganising and positioning itself for victory in 2028.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
