Former President John Dramani Mahama has voiced his concerns about the ongoing detention of Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya East constituency. In a social media post dated June 7, 2024, Mahama called upon the Inspector-General of Police, George Dampare, and the National Security Advisor, Albert Kan Dapaah, to release Okunor from police custody.
Mahama argued that there was no valid reason for Okunor’s continued detention, especially since she had already been granted bail. He cautioned that such actions, taken under the direction of the National Security Secretariat, could unnecessarily heighten political tensions in the country and lead to avoidable unrest.
The former president also suggested that Okunor’s detention might be an attempt to intimidate her in her bid to unseat Hawa Koomson, the current Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East and Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
Mahama urged the IGP, the Peace Council, the government, and the people of Ghana to recognize the importance of justice in maintaining peace and stability. He emphasized that the police should not be used to suppress opposition or intimidate innocent Ghanaians and political opponents in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
The former president called on the IGP to reconsider his actions and release Okunor immediately for the sake of justice and national stability. He stressed that the police have a duty to serve and protect all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations.
At the time of Mahama’s post, hundreds of NDC supporters had gathered at the Cantonments Police Station, where Okunor was being held in connection with a gun possession case.
