The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has escalated its concerns over alleged political persecution in Ghana, formally petitioning members of the diplomatic corps to intervene in what it describes as a systematic erosion of democratic freedoms under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. In a comprehensive statement issued in Accra, the party outlined a series of concerns, including suppression of dissent, judicial bias, and the weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents, journalists, and civil society activists.
A Culture of Intimidation and the Criminalisation of Free Speech
The NPP’s petition paints a disturbing picture of a Ghana where free expression is increasingly under threat. The party asserts that opposition figures, activists, and even ordinary citizens who challenge the government’s policies are subjected to arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and legal harassment. This, it argues, has fostered a climate of fear, where citizens hesitate to voice dissent for fear of retaliation, prosecution, or social ostracisation.
The statement warns that Ghana’s long-standing reputation as a regional leader in democracy and stability is being undermined by a deliberate campaign to silence critics. By targeting those who dissent, the government, according to the NPP, is not only violating constitutional guarantees but also undermining the very foundations of democratic governance.
Targeting Political Opponents: The Case of Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC)
One of the most high-profile examples cited in the petition is the recent arrest and prosecution of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the Regional Chairman of the NPP in the Ashanti Region. Baffoe was detained and charged after making public comments critical of a judge, a move the party describes as a blatant attempt to silence opposition voices through legal intimidation.
The NPP argues that Baffoe’s denial of bail—despite his long-standing political activism—demonstrates a pattern of judicial bias where political affiliation dictates legal outcomes. The party condemns this as a direct violation of Ghana’s constitutional right to free speech, particularly under Article 16(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of expression.
Reversal of Democratic Gains: From Criminal Libel to Selective Justice
The NPP’s petition also highlights a troubling regression in Ghana’s legal and democratic progress. In 2001, under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Ghana abolished criminal libel laws, a reform celebrated as a landmark victory for press freedom. However, the current administration, the NPP claims, has subverted this progress by exploiting alternative legal mechanisms—such as defamation, sedition, and cybercrime laws—to penalise critics without directly invoking libel.
The party accuses the government of selectively enforcing the law, where NPP members and opposition figures face swift investigations and prosecutions, while government-aligned individuals often evade accountability for similar offences. This double standard, the NPP argues, undermines public trust in the justice system and encourages impunity for state actors.
State Security Agencies: Tools of Political Repression?
A central concern raised in the petition is the role of state security agencies, including the Police Service and intelligence units, in politically motivated arrests and detentions. The NPP alleges that these institutions are being used as instruments of repression, with opposition figures frequently arrested in dramatic, high-profile operations before being detained under harsh conditions.
The party cites multiple instances where NPP members and activists have been arrested without warrants, subjected to prolonged interrogations, and denied fair legal representation. These actions, the NPP argues, violate Ghana’s constitutional protections and international human rights standards, particularly under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees freedom of opinion and expression.
Judicial Independence Under Threat: The Sackey Torkornoo Controversy
The removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo in 2020 has further deepened public concerns about judicial independence. The NPP contends that her dismissal—following a highly politicised process—has eroded public confidence in the judiciary, particularly in cases involving politically sensitive issues.
The party warns that judges may now face undue pressure when handling cases against government critics, leading to perceived bias and unfair rulings. This perception of a politicised judiciary, the NPP argues, poses a severe threat to Ghana’s democratic institutions, as citizens lose faith in the rule of law.
A Call for International Intervention
In light of these systematic abuses, the NPP has urged the diplomatic community, development partners, and human rights organisations to actively monitor developments in Ghana. The party calls for public condemnation of political persecution, defence of free speech, and engagement with the government to halt the misuse of legal frameworks against dissenting voices.
The petition stresses that Ghana’s democratic progress cannot be reversed without international scrutiny and pressure. It warns that if unchecked, the current trend will not only damage Ghana’s global standing but also undermine the very principles of democracy** that have defined the nation for decades.
The NPP’s formal appeal to diplomats marks a significant escalation in its campaign against perceived political repression, signalling that the party intends to leverage international support in its efforts to restore democratic safeguards in Ghana.