I was detained 18 times without clear charges — Kwesi Pratt

Veteran Ghanaian journalist Kwesi Pratt Jr. has revealed that he has been detained 18 times during periods of political unrest in Ghana, particularly in the 1980s and early 1990s.

He made the disclosure in an interview with broadcast journalist Kafui Dey, published on YouTube on Monday, March 23.

Mr Pratt recounted his experiences across several detention facilities, including military guardrooms, police cells and prisons in different parts of the country.

“The last time we sat down and counted, I’ve been to prison 18 times,” he said.

According to him, the arrests often occurred without clear explanations, with some detentions lasting for months.

“I’ve been detained at the Bureau of National Investigations cells, Ushersford prison, Navrongo prison, Tamale prison, and several police cells, including Accra Central,” he disclosed.

He noted that his longest period in detention lasted about six months, during which he was transferred between multiple facilities.

The veteran journalist also indicated that, in most cases, authorities did not provide reasons for his arrests, except for one instance where he was charged alongside late Professor Adu Boahen, for alleged obstruction of justice.