The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the Supreme Court and the Presidency over what it describes as growing threats to Ghana’s democracy, accusing the government of engaging in arbitrary arrests, political intimidation and selective justice.
The petitions formed part of the party’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, during which hundreds of NPP supporters marched through parts of Accra to raise concerns over what they called attacks on democratic institutions.
The party first submitted its concerns to the Supreme Court, where its leaders raised issues bordering on judicial independence, the rule of law and the handling of cases involving members of the opposition.
The NPP later proceeded to the Jubilee House to present a separate petition to the presidency.
However, the presentation was briefly delayed after party officials objected to the level of representation from the government. The party argued that the presence of only Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition did not reflect the significance of the occasion, considering the seniority of NPP representatives present.
Addressing the issue, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said the party felt the arrangement was disrespectful but indicated that the NPP would continue with the process in the interest of protecting Ghana’s democracy.
“We have selected our democracy. Without prejudice to your person, to nominate only you to come amounts to disrespecting us as a political party,” Afenyo-Markin told Nana Yaa Jantuah.
The petition was eventually received on behalf of the government by Nana Yaa Jantuah.
Speaking after the presentation, Mr Afenyo-Markin cautioned the government against using state institutions to target political opponents, arguing that no administration remains in power forever.
He accused the government of shifting focus away from its campaign promises on issues such as job creation, the 24-hour economy, electricity tariffs and cocoa prices, while allegedly concentrating on efforts to intimidate critics.
The Minority Leader also questioned the conviction and imprisonment of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, saying the circumstances surrounding the case raised concerns.
He further criticised the removal of the former Chief Justice, claiming it was part of broader attempts to influence the judiciary, and expressed concerns about court cases involving NPP members being heard during the judicial vacation period.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also raised allegations against the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), accusing the agency of imposing what he described as excessive bail conditions on opposition figures through demands for high-value properties.
He urged the government to remember that political power changes hands and warned that future administrations could also face scrutiny over their actions while in office.
Citing what he described as an IMF report on alleged losses of GH¢9.6 billion in GoldBod transactions, he argued that accusations of financial misconduct against public institutions should encourage accountability across all sides of the political divide.
“We are saying democracy is under attack, and let us all take steps as players in the governance structure to correct it and make Ghana a better place,” he said.
