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Collins Owusu Amankwah slams govt over ''arbitrary arrest'' of NPP''s Delta Force Chairman

Collins Owusu Amankwah Condemns Government for Arbitrary Arrest of NPP's Delta Force Chairman

In a fiery outburst that has ignited fresh political tensions in Ghana, Collins Owusu Amankwah, a prominent figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, has launched a scathing attack on the current administration led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Amankwah's criticism centers on what he describes as the "arbitrary and unjust" arrest of the Chairman of Delta Force, a vigilante group closely affiliated with the NPP. The incident, which unfolded in Kumasi, has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, with accusations of selective justice and political vendetta flying thick and fast.

The controversy erupted following the arrest of the Delta Force Chairman, whose identity has been widely reported as Kwadwo Bamba, though official confirmations from police sources remain sparse. According to reports, Bamba was detained by security operatives on charges that have not been fully disclosed to the public, but insiders suggest they relate to alleged disturbances during a recent party event. Delta Force, known for its robust support of the NPP during elections and its involvement in various security-related incidents, has long been a polarizing entity in Ghanaian politics. Formed in the Ashanti Region, the group gained notoriety in 2017 when its members stormed a court in Kumasi to free colleagues who were on trial, an act that drew widespread condemnation and led to legal repercussions.

Amankwah, speaking during an interview on a local radio station in Kumasi, did not mince words in his condemnation. "This government is turning against its own people," he declared emphatically. "The arrest of the Delta Force Chairman is nothing short of arbitrary and a blatant abuse of power. What crime has he committed that warrants such heavy-handed tactics? Is this how we reward loyalty and dedication to the party that brought this administration to power?" His remarks underscore a growing rift within the NPP, where some members feel marginalized or targeted by the very government they helped install.

To fully appreciate the gravity of Amankwah's statements, it's essential to delve into the historical context of Delta Force and its entanglement with Ghanaian politics. Emerging around the 2016 elections, Delta Force positioned itself as a protective force for NPP interests, particularly in the volatile Ashanti Region, a stronghold for the party. Their methods, often aggressive and confrontational, have included clashes with rival groups like the National Democratic Congress (NDC)-affiliated Azorka Boys. While supporters view them as grassroots defenders against opposition aggression, critics label them as vigilantes who undermine the rule of law. The 2017 court invasion incident remains a stark example, where Delta Force members forcibly entered a courtroom, assaulted officials, and freed 13 of their own who were facing charges for assaulting a government appointee. That event prompted President Akufo-Addo to publicly denounce vigilantism and push for legislation to curb such groups, culminating in the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act of 2019.

Despite these measures, Delta Force has continued to operate, albeit in a more subdued manner, often providing security at NPP events. The recent arrest of their chairman, therefore, comes at a sensitive time as Ghana gears up for the 2024 general elections. Political analysts suggest that the move could be an attempt by the government to distance itself from vigilante elements in a bid to appeal to moderate voters and international observers who have repeatedly called for cleaner politics in the country.

Amankwah's critique extends beyond the arrest itself, touching on broader themes of governance and party loyalty. He accused the administration of prioritizing personal agendas over the collective good of the NPP. "We fought tooth and nail to bring this government to power, and now they treat us like criminals," he lamented. "The Delta Force Chairman has been a pillar in mobilizing support for the party, especially in Kumasi. Arresting him without due process is not only unfair but also a signal to all loyalists that their efforts are expendable." These sentiments resonate with a faction within the NPP that feels sidelined, particularly in the wake of internal primaries and appointments that have favored certain allies over others.

Reactions to Amankwah's comments have been swift and varied. Supporters within the NPP have rallied behind him, with social media buzzing with hashtags like #FreeDeltaForceChairman and #StopPoliticalArrests. One NPP youth organizer in Kumasi, speaking anonymously, told reporters, "Collins is speaking the truth. The government is scared of its own shadow and is cracking down on those who can mobilize the base effectively." On the other hand, government spokespersons have defended the arrest, insisting it is based on credible intelligence and not politically motivated. A statement from the Ministry of Interior emphasized that "no one is above the law, and actions will be taken against any individual or group that threatens public peace, regardless of political affiliation."

Opposition voices from the NDC have seized the opportunity to highlight what they perceive as hypocrisy in the NPP's handling of vigilantism. John Dramani Mahama, the NDC flagbearer, tweeted: "The same government that once embraced vigilantes is now arresting them. This is the height of double standards. Ghanaians deserve better." Political commentators argue that this incident could erode the NPP's support in key regions like Ashanti, where grassroots organizations like Delta Force play a crucial role in voter turnout.

Amankwah, undeterred by potential backlash, has called for an immediate release of the Delta Force Chairman and urged party elders to intervene. "If this arrest is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent," he warned. "Today it's the Delta Force Chairman; tomorrow it could be any of us who have dedicated our lives to the NPP." His stance has positioned him as a vocal critic within the party, potentially boosting his profile ahead of future political contests. As a former MP, Amankwah lost his seat in the 2020 elections but remains influential in NPP circles, often speaking on issues of party unity and governance.

The broader implications of this arrest and Amankwah's response cannot be overstated. Ghana's political landscape has been marred by vigilantism, with both major parties accused of harboring such groups. The 2019 Act was intended to dismantle these entities, but enforcement has been inconsistent. Incidents like this arrest highlight the challenges in eradicating vigilantism while maintaining party loyalty. Experts warn that without genuine reforms, such groups could resurface during elections, leading to violence and instability.

In Kumasi, the heart of NPP support, tensions are palpable. Local residents report increased police presence, and there are whispers of potential protests if the chairman is not released soon. Amankwah has hinted at organizing a press conference to further elaborate on his grievances, potentially drawing more NPP figures into the fray.

As Ghana navigates this turbulent period, the arrest serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between law enforcement and political allegiance. Whether this will unify or further divide the NPP remains to be seen, but Amankwah's bold stance has undoubtedly amplified the debate. The government now faces the task of justifying the arrest transparently to avoid accusations of authoritarianism, while the NPP must address internal dissent to present a united front. In the end, this episode underscores the enduring challenges of governance in a democracy where party loyalties often clash with the rule of law.

This development comes amid other national issues, including economic hardships and debates over anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, but the political undercurrents in the Ashanti Region could have ripple effects nationwide. Observers will be watching closely to see if this leads to a broader crackdown on vigilante groups or if it's an isolated incident aimed at appeasing critics. For now, Collins Owusu Amankwah's voice stands out as a clarion call for fairness and accountability within his own party.

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