Stop chasing nkwasiakeka and focus on the thieves – Barker-Vormawor tells NDC

Private legal practitioner and well-known activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has warned the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be careful with how it handles political opponents and critics, especially ahead of the 2028 general elections.

In a bold message posted on Facebook on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Barker-Vormawor criticised what he described as “overzealous policing” and warned that such actions can destroy the public trust the NDC has built since coming into power.

Arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi Triggers Reactions

His comments come just after the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirant. Kumi was picked up by state security at his residence on Friday, May 23, for allegedly spreading false news. He was later granted bail.

Although the police say they acted within the law, many see the arrest as an overreaction, especially considering Kumi’s status as a political opponent who had made critical statements about the current government.

“This is the Same Foolish Path That Destroyed the NPP” – Barker-Vormawor

In his Facebook post, Barker-Vormawor didn’t hold back. He directly called out the NDC and cautioned them against using state power to chase down every small critic.

“This feels like the umpteenth time I have to rebuke the NDC about the risk of overzealous policing,” he wrote.

“If every person coughs wrong and you feel the need to send in 20 security officers to arrest them, you will be led down a path of no return.”

He added a strong warning that the NDC may be repeating the same mistakes that led to the downfall of the NPP in the 2024 elections.

“This is the same ‘reckless’ path that ruined the NPP. Beware! Beware! Beware!”

Don’t Waste Energy on Propaganda – Focus on ‘Operation Recover All Loot’

One of Barker-Vormawor’s main points was that the government must focus on more serious matters, such as fighting corruption and recovering stolen state funds, instead of wasting time and resources arresting people over political talk or propaganda.

He reminded the NDC that they came into power promising to recover the country’s lost wealth through the initiative called Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), and that should remain their top priority.

“I will support the Government when it makes ORAL arrests,” he said.

“But if someone engages in unnecessary propaganda and you feel the need to show them where power lies… Listen, that power will leave you. We have all seen it happen!”

Stop Chasing ‘Nkwasiakeka’

In typical Ghanaian fashion, Barker-Vormawor added some local flavour to his message by using the Akan term “nkwasiakeka,” which loosely means foolish or petty behaviour.

He stressed that chasing after petty political critics and trying to silence opposition members is not only unnecessary but also foolish and counterproductive.

“Stop chasing nkwasiakeka and focus on the thieves,” he advised.

This part of his message resonated with many online, as Ghanaians are becoming increasingly frustrated with political distractions, especially when pressing issues like unemployment, corruption, poor roads, and weak healthcare systems remain unresolved.

Overreaction Could Backfire in 2028

Barker-Vormawor warned the NDC that their actions today could come back to haunt them during the next general elections in 2028.

According to him, just like the NPP was punished at the polls for similar behaviours—including the arrests of social media critics, freezing of opponents’ accounts, and intimidation tactics—the NDC could also lose favour with voters if they follow the same route.

“This is a dangerous trend. Ghanaian voters are watching. They are smarter now. If you mess up, they will vote you out just like they did the NPP.”

Who is Oliver Barker-Vormawor?

Oliver Barker-Vormawor is no stranger to controversy or political activism. He is a lawyer, civil society advocate, and co-founder of the #FixTheCountry Movement, which became popular for its bold criticisms of bad governance and its calls for accountability.

In 2022, he was arrested by the NPP government and charged with treason felony over comments he made on social media. His case became a national symbol of the fight against political repression.

Now, under the NDC government, he’s showing that his loyalty is to Ghana, not any political party.

“I criticise both NPP and NDC. If you’re in power and you mess up, I will speak. Period,” he said during an earlier interview.

What Happens Next?

While the NDC government has not yet responded to Barker-Vormawor’s latest comments, the issue is already sparking nationwide conversation.

Political analysts believe the arrest of Alfred Ababio Kumi may have been avoidable and that the backlash could have been predicted if the government had focused on the bigger picture.

Legal experts are also raising concerns about the criminalisation of free speech, warning that Ghana’s democracy could suffer if dissenting voices are constantly under threat of arrest.

A Word to the Wise…

In conclusion, Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s message is simple: the NDC must stay focused and remember why the people voted for them. Arresting critics won’t fix Ghana’s problems—recovering stolen wealth, improving healthcare, creating jobs, and fixing the economy will.

Ghanaians are watching closely. The next three years leading to the 2028 elections will be a true test of whether the NDC will govern with wisdom or with fear.