NPP activist Rita Batse
Tension is reportedly brewing in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region following allegations that the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Prosper Kumi is using state security operatives to intimidate and pursue a known activist of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Rita Mesiwotso Batse raising fresh concerns over political intolerance and abuse of power under the current administration.
The controversy comes at a time when Ghana’s political environment has become increasingly polarised, with both the ruling National Democratic Congress and the opposition NPP frequently accusing each other of victimisation, harassment and the weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents.
In recent months, several claims of intimidation involving NPP activists, journalists, and government critics have emerged across different parts of the country.
Sources within Hohoe allege that the conflict began after the NPP activist Rita Batse openly criticised the conduct of some local government officials and questioned decisions being taken within the municipality over projects executed by the previous administration.
She made a video concerning an abandoned factory in Hohoe which was built by Akufo-Addo administration but the current administration appears to have dumped it.
The video which reportedly circulated on social media and local political platforms, are said to have angered some the MCE, Prosper Kumi. The MCE therefore reported her to the police as well s the BNI.
He questioned how Rita got access to the abandoned project site, referring the matter to the security agencies.
According to accounts from party supporters in the area, operatives believed to be from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), together with personnel linked to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, allegedly began trailing and inviting the activist for questioning under circumstances critics describe as politically motivated.
The incident has triggered outrage among sections of the opposition in the Volta Region, with some party executives accusing the Hohoe MCE of attempting to silence dissent through intimidation rather than democratic engagement.
They argue that state security institutions must not be reduced to political tools used to settle partisan scores.
Political observers note that allegations involving the use of security agencies against opponents have become recurring themes in Ghanaian politics, particularly after changes in government.
However at press time, Rita said she received information from the police as well as the BNI suspending the invitation.
Similar accusations were traded during previous administrations, with civil society groups consistently warning that the growing perception of political interference in security operations could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
The issue has also revived debate over the role of local government authorities and the limits of political power at the district and municipal levels. Analysts say Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives wield significant influence in their jurisdictions and must therefore exercise restraint in handling political disagreements to avoid inflaming tensions.
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