Supporters of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by the party’s National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha, on Wednesday thronged the premises of the Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra to demand the release of social media activist Daniel Adomako, popularly known as Sir Obama Pokuase, and three other individuals.
The protest follows their arrest over the alleged circulation of images depicting persons openly brandishing weapons believed to have been illegally acquired.
According to a police statement, Mr. Adomako and the others were apprehended in a joint security operation involving the police and other national security agencies. The operation forms part of an ongoing intelligence-led crackdown on the possession, trafficking, and public display of unlicensed firearms.
Police sources say the broader security sweep—initiated several weeks ago—has already resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal arms and ammunition from various locations across the country. Investigators believe the images in question are linked to a wider network suspected of facilitating the proliferation of illegal weapons.
Mr. Mustapha, speaking to journalists outside the headquarters, insisted that Sir Obama Pokuase is a committed party member and an active voice in the NPP’s online communications, and should be treated fairly. He called on the police to ensure transparency in the investigation and avoid what he described as “politically motivated harassment” of party activists.
Tensions remained high as uniformed officers maintained a heavy presence at the entrance of the headquarters to prevent any disruption of operations. The demonstrators, however, vowed to remain until their demands were addressed.
The arrests come against the backdrop of increasing public concern over armed violence and political vigilantism ahead of the 2024 elections, with security analysts warning that the influx of illegal weapons poses a threat to national stability.
Police have assured the public that the ongoing operation is strictly aimed at curbing the illegal arms trade and is not targeted at any particular political group.
