The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday staged a nationwide demonstration dubbed “Democracy Under Attack,” accusing the government of political persecution, selective justice and the misuse of state institutions.
Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, party supporters marched through the principal streets of Accra before presenting separate petitions to the Supreme Court and Jubilee House, calling for what they described as the protection of Ghana’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Why did the NPP protest?
According to the party, the demonstration was intended to draw attention to what it believes are growing threats to judicial independence, due process and public confidence in state institutions.
The NPP cited a number of recent developments as the basis for its concerns, including the acquittal and discharge of former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, and the 20-year prison sentence handed to the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Party leaders argued that these developments raise questions about the consistency and impartiality of Ghana’s justice system.
Massive turnout in Accra
Hundreds of supporters, dressed in the party’s symbolic red and black colours, joined the procession through the capital. The demonstration attracted senior party officials, Members of Parliament, former government appointees and grassroots supporters.
Standoff at Jubilee House
The presentation of the petition at Jubilee House was briefly delayed after security personnel restricted journalists from accessing the inner perimeter to cover the event.
NPP leaders insisted that the media should be allowed to witness the presentation and refused to proceed until access concerns were addressed.
Another point of contention arose when Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah arrived to receive the petition. The party initially declined to hand over the document, saying it had expected either Chief of Staff Julius Debrah or President John Dramani Mahama to receive it personally.
The NPP described the absence of the Chief of Staff as disappointing and said it did not reflect the significance of the issues being raised.
Following discussions between both sides, the party agreed to present the petition to Nana Yaa Jantuah, who assured the delegation that it would be forwarded to the Presidency.
