The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has presented separate petitions to the Supreme Court and the Presidency, accusing the Mahama administration of eroding Ghana’s democratic principles through what it describes as selective justice, political intimidation and the misuse of state institutions.
The petitions were delivered on Thursday following the party’s nationwide “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, which drew supporters to protest what the NPP says are growing threats to constitutional governance and civil liberties.
The party first marched to the Supreme Court, where it submitted a petition expressing concern over the perceived independence of the Judiciary and the protection of the rule of law.
Demonstrators later proceeded to the Jubilee House, where a second petition was presented to the Presidency.
The presentation at the seat of government was briefly delayed after NPP leaders objected to the government’s decision to designate Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah as its representative.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that assigning only one presidential staffer to receive the petition did not reflect the significance of the occasion, particularly given the presence of senior officials of the opposition party, including the Minority Leader, the NPP General Secretary and the Chief of Staff to the party’s flagbearer.
Despite the objection, the NPP proceeded with the presentation, with the party’s Deputy National Youth Organiser formally handing over the petition on its behalf.
Addressing supporters, Mr Afenyo-Markin urged the government to remember that political power is temporary and cautioned against using state institutions to pursue political opponents.
He accused the administration of shifting its focus from key campaign commitments, including job creation, the proposed 24-hour economy, electricity tariffs and cocoa prices, to what he described as the persecution of critics and opposition members.
The Minority Leader also questioned the circumstances surrounding the imprisonment of the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, arguing that the case raises concerns about fairness in the administration of justice.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further criticised the removal of the former Chief Justice, alleging that the process was part of an effort to influence the Judiciary.
He also claimed that cases involving members of the NPP had been prioritised during the judicial vacation, describing the development as evidence of selective justice.
The Minority Leader additionally accused the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of imposing what he termed excessive bail conditions on opposition figures by requiring properties worth millions of cedis as security before granting bail.
He warned that no political party remains in office indefinitely and said governments should avoid setting precedents that could later be applied against them if power changes hands after the 2028 general election.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also referred to what he said was an International Monetary Fund report highlighting financial losses involving GoldBod, arguing that allegations of financial mismanagement should be investigated impartially regardless of the individuals or institutions involved.
He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to safeguard Ghana’s democracy, strengthen the rule of law and uphold the independence of state institutions.
Nana Yaa Jantuah received the petition on behalf of the Presidency.
