The civil society group OneGhana Movement has strongly criticized the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) over what it described as the “heavy-handed and wholly unjustified” arrest of Emmanuel Kumi, popularly known as Adenta Kumi, a community youth organizer and outspoken advocate for local development.
In a statement released on Monday, the movement decried the manner in which Kumi was apprehended, calling it not only excessive but also contrary to democratic principles and the rule of law.
“The arrest of Adenta Kumi by the NIB was executed with an alarming disregard for his civil liberties,” the statement read. “This is not merely a question of overreach; it is a direct affront to the democratic ethos our country stands on.”
According to eyewitness accounts and local reports, Kumi was detained without prior notice and taken away by plainclothes officers last Friday, sparking outrage in the Adenta community. He was reportedly held for over 24 hours without access to legal counsel or a clear explanation for his arrest.
While the NIB has yet to issue an official statement detailing the reasons for Kumi’s detention, sources close to the matter suggest it may be related to his recent social media posts criticizing alleged government inaction on community sanitation and youth unemployment.
OneGhana Movement insists that civic activism and criticism of public officials are protected rights in a democracy and should not be met with intimidation or arrest. “We call on the NIB to release any findings and provide full transparency on this matter,” the group added. “We further demand that Mr. Kumi be granted immediate legal support and that his rights be fully respected.”
The organization also urged Parliament and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the conduct of the NIB in this case, warning that unchecked abuse of power could erode public trust in state institutions.
This incident comes amid growing concern among civil society groups over what they describe as a shrinking space for dissent in Ghana, a country once hailed as a model of democratic governance in West Africa.
As of press time, Adenta Kumi remains in custody. His legal team is reportedly preparing to file for habeas corpus if he is not released within the constitutional time frame.