Speaking on The Key Points on TV3 Ghana on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Dr. Zaato described the arrest as a troubling example of what he termed the “personification of hypocrisy” in the country’s democratic discourse.
He questioned whether the action was fair, proportionate, and consistent with Ghana’s commitment to freedom of expression and the rule of law.
In a remark that quickly gained public attention, Dr. Zaato argued that the national reaction would have been far more explosive if a similar arrest had taken place under the previous administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“If this had happened under Akufo-Addo, there would have been blood on the streets,” he said, suggesting that public outrage and political activism appear to be applied selectively depending on who is in power.
According to Dr. Zaato, the relatively muted response to the arrest exposes a dangerous double standard in Ghana’s political culture, where actions are judged not on principle but on partisan convenience.
He warned that such selective outrage undermines the credibility of democratic advocacy and weakens the moral authority of those who claim to defend justice and accountability.
The analyst stressed that the arrest of a high-profile lawyer and civil rights activist must be handled with extreme care, as heavy-handed actions risk creating the impression of intimidation.
The analyst stressed that the arrest of a high-profile lawyer and civil rights activist must be handled with extreme care, as heavy-handed actions risk creating the impression of intimidation.
He insisted that the law must be applied evenly, regardless of the individual involved or the government in office, if public trust in state institutions is to be preserved.
Dr. Zaato further cautioned that democracy does not thrive on silence or inconsistency. In his view, the true test of democratic maturity is the willingness of citizens, civil society, and political actors to speak out against perceived injustice at all times—not only when it suits their political preferences.
He therefore called on state agencies to act with professionalism and transparency, urging law enforcement bodies to be mindful of how their actions are perceived by the public.
Dr. Zaato further cautioned that democracy does not thrive on silence or inconsistency. In his view, the true test of democratic maturity is the willingness of citizens, civil society, and political actors to speak out against perceived injustice at all times—not only when it suits their political preferences.
He therefore called on state agencies to act with professionalism and transparency, urging law enforcement bodies to be mindful of how their actions are perceived by the public.
At the same time, he encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and vocal in defending civil liberties, warning that complacency today could erode freedoms tomorrow.
Dr. Zaato’s comments have since sparked renewed discussion about governance, accountability, and the role of public reaction in safeguarding democracy.
Dr. Zaato’s comments have since sparked renewed discussion about governance, accountability, and the role of public reaction in safeguarding democracy.