A startling development has unfolded in Ghana’s political landscape, as Ralph St Williams, a key figure in the Fix The Country movement, was arrested on September 18 at Kotoka International Airport. His arrest is believed to be connected to his participation in the “Enough is Enough” demonstration, where he symbolically swam in the National Cathedral pit to highlight government mismanagement.
The National Cathedral project has been a contentious issue, with many questioning its priority and staggering cost of $58 million USD. Sammy Gyemfi, a prominent voice, has condemned the arrest, stating, “Just when we thought the Ghana Police Service is beginning to wean itself off the dictates of the despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, they decided to arrest comrade Ralph St Williams for exposing the useless hole dug by the corrupt NPP government for ‘God’.”
Gyemfi emphasized, “Why should the status of that hole, now turned swimming pool, be kept a secret from the people whose taxes were wasted on same? How long will the Ghana Police Service allow themselves to be used for the suppression and harassment of critics of this corrupt NPP government? Ralph should be commended and not arrested.”
Democracy Hub, the organization behind the Fix The Country movement, has also denounced the arrest, calling it a “blatant attempt to silence critical voices.” They demand Ralph’s immediate release and an official apology from the authorities.
This development raises concerns about freedom of speech and the government’s tolerance for dissenting voices. As tensions escalate, Ghanaians are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. Will the government listen to the people’s concerns, or will they continue to silence critics? Only time will tell.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO