The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has escalated its concerns over alleged political persecution in Ghana, formally petitioning members of the diplomatic community 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 opposition party accused the government of suppressing dissent, undermining judicial independence, and weaponising state institutions to target political opponents, journalists, and critics.
A Culture of Intimidation and the Criminalisation of Free Speech
The NPP’s petition highlights a disturbing pattern of arbitrary arrests, prosecutions, and intimidation against individuals expressing dissenting views. The party argues that this systematic repression has fostered a “culture of silence”—where citizens hesitate to voice opinions for fear of legal repercussions, harassment, or physical harm.
“Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy is being tarnished by a government that appears willing to silence opposition through any means necessary,” the statement reads. It warns that if unchecked, these actions could permanently damage Ghana’s democratic institutions, which have long been celebrated as a model for stability in West Africa.
Targeting Political Opponents and Journalists
Central to the NPP’s allegations is the selective application of the law, where opposition figures face swift investigations, harsh prosecutions, and prolonged detentions, while those aligned with the ruling government often escape accountability for similar offences.
One of the most high-profile cases cited is that of Kwame Baffoe (popularly known as Abronye DC), the NPP’s Northern Regional Chairman. He was arrested and charged after making critical remarks about a judge, a move the party describes as a blatant attempt to criminalise free speech. Despite his lack of criminal record, Baffoe was denied bail, raising concerns about judicial bias and the misuse of legal processes to suppress dissent.
The NPP further accused the government of reversing democratic gains, including the 2001 repeal of criminal libel laws under former President John Agyekum Kufuor. This reform was a landmark step in protecting press freedom and enabling open political discourse. However, the party claims the current administration has substituted old laws with new mechanisms—such as defamation suits, harassment tactics, and arbitrary detentions—to indirectly penalise critics without violating the letter of the law.
State Security Agencies Used for Political Purposes
A major concern raised in the petition is the role of state security agencies, including the police and intelligence services, which the NPP alleges are being deployed for political ends. Opposition figures have reportedly been arrested in dramatic, high-profile operations, often under flimsy charges, and held under harsh conditions that violate human rights standards.
The party specifically condemned the use of emergency powers and anti-terrorism legislation to target political opponents, arguing that such measures were never intended for domestic political disputes but have been perverted to suppress dissent.
Judicial Independence Under Threat
The NPP’s petition also directly addresses concerns over judicial independence, particularly following the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo in 2015. The party argues that this high-profile dismissal—along with other judicial appointments and rulings—has undermined public trust in the judiciary, particularly in cases involving politically sensitive figures.
“The perception that judges may face pressure when handling cases involving government officials or opposition leaders is deeply troubling,” the statement asserts. It warns that politicised justice risks eroding the rule of law, a cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic system.
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 Ghana’s democratic backsliding. The party demands accountability and calls on foreign governments to publicly condemn the persecution of dissenters while engaging the Ghanaian government on reforms to restore press freedom, judicial independence, and fair legal processes.
“Ghana’s democratic future depends on the international community holding this administration to its commitments,” the petition concludes. “We cannot allow the gains of the past two decades to be erased by a government that seeks to rule through fear rather than consensus.”
The NPP’s petition marks a sharp escalation in its public criticism of the Mahama administration, reinforcing its stance that political repression is not only unconstitutional but also a serious threat to Ghana’s stability and global standing**.
