According to GhanaWeb, Dr. Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, has admitted to initiating the arrest of social activist Ralph St. Williams, explaining that he felt threatened by the activist’s actions.
The incident occurred on March 11, 2025, in the forecourt of Parliament, ahead of the presentation of the 2025 budget.
A viral video circulating on social media shows Ralph St. Williams confronting the MP while broadcasting live on a social media platform.
During the exchange, the activist criticized the MP for what he described as neglect of his constituency, alleging poor road conditions and non-functional streetlights at the Sofoline Interchange.
In the video, the activist is heard addressing Dr. Amoah as he walks toward Parliament, accusing him of failing to improve his constituency and urging him to contribute meaningfully to parliamentary discussions.
The activist’s remarks were critical of the MP, suggesting that his future comments on the budget should be constructive and beneficial to the country.
Dr. Amoah initially remained silent during the confrontation but eventually sought assistance from a police officer stationed at the entrance of Parliament.
The MP asked the officer to intervene, stating that he felt threatened by the activist’s behavior. Following the encounter, Ralph distanced himself from the MP but was later arrested.
Explaining his decision to involve the police, Dr. Amoah stated that the activist’s actions made him feel assaulted.
He clarified that assault does not necessarily involve physical harm but can include behavior that causes someone to feel threatened.
According to him, the activist’s conduct in the morning and later in the afternoon led him to believe there was a deliberate attempt to intimidate him.
He stated: “Actually, I asked the police to arrest him because I felt assaulted. When we talk about assault, it means when one feels threatened and there is evidence of imminent physical contact. And everybody saw what he was doing to me in the morning, yet I composed myself very well. He continued in the afternoon, and I even availed myself for any interview, but I realized it wasn’t an interview he wanted.”
Dr. Amoah further disclosed that he had been willing to resolve the matter amicably when the Parliamentary Marshal contacted him.
He expressed readiness to drop the issue if the activist showed remorse and apologized, which Ralph St. Williams reportedly did.
However, since the police had already begun processing the case and taken statements from both parties, Dr. Amoah left the resolution of the matter to the authorities.
Reflecting on the incident, Dr. Amoah expressed surprise at the activist’s behavior, noting that he had never met or interacted with Ralph St. Williams before.
He also dismissed the activist’s claims about his constituency, stating that some of the areas mentioned were not even within his jurisdiction.
He maintained that his contributions to his constituency were substantial and that no one could unjustly criticize his efforts.
Ralph St. Williams was eventually released by the police later that evening.