NPP Petitions Supreme Court and Presidency Over ‘Democracy Under Attack’

 The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has presented petitions to both the Supreme Court and the Presidency, accusing the Mahama administration of eroding Ghana’s democratic foundations through arbitrary arrests, intimidation of political opponents, and selective justice.

The protest march began at the Supreme Court, where party leaders submitted a petition highlighting what they described as growing threats to judicial independence and the rule of law. Demonstrators later proceeded to the Jubilee House, where a second petition was delivered to the Presidency.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo‑Markin presented the petition at Jubilee House following the party’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration. The submission was delayed after NPP leaders objected to the level of government representation, arguing it was disrespectful for the Presidency to nominate only Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition despite the presence of senior NPP officials.

“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. He added that the party would nonetheless proceed “in the interest of democracy,” with the Deputy National Youth Organiser handing over the petition on behalf of the NPP.

In his remarks, Afenyo‑Markin cautioned the government against using state institutions to target opponents, stressing that no political party remains in power indefinitely. He accused the administration of abandoning campaign promises on job creation, the 24‑hour economy, electricity tariffs, and cocoa prices, while focusing instead on intimidating critics.

He questioned the imprisonment of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and criticised the removal of the former Chief Justice, alleging it was part of an attempt to influence the judiciary. He further accused the government of directing judicial processes during court vacation periods to fast‑track cases involving NPP members.

The Minority Leader also condemned the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), alleging that the agency imposes excessive bail conditions on opposition figures, demanding properties worth millions of cedis before granting bail.

Afenyo‑Markin warned the government not to assume permanent power, noting that the NPP could return to office after the 2028 general election. Citing what he said was an IMF report indicating losses of GH¢9.6 billion in GoldBod transactions, he argued that allegations of financial impropriety should remind the administration it too could face scrutiny.

“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 declared.

Nana Yaa Jantuah formally received the petition on behalf of the government.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.