The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally escalated its concerns over what it describes as systematic political persecution under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, issuing a detailed petition to members of Ghana’s diplomatic community. In a strongly worded statement released in Accra, the party accused the government of suppressing dissent, undermining democratic institutions, and weaponising state institutions to target political opponents, journalists, and critics.
The petition, which marks a serious escalation in tensions, argues that Ghana’s hard-won democratic reputation is being eroded by a culture of intimidation, where citizens increasingly fear expressing dissent due to arbitrary arrests, prosecutions, and legal harassment. The NPP warns that if unchecked, these actions could permanently damage Ghana’s standing as a stable and democratic nation in the eyes of the international community.
A Pattern of Intimidation and Legal Abuse
Central to the NPP’s allegations is the systematic targeting of opposition figures, including party members, activists, and journalists. The party claims that state institutions—particularly the police, intelligence services, and judiciary—are being manipulated to silence dissent, rather than upholding the rule of law.
One of the most high-profile cases cited is that of Kwame Baffoe (popularly known as Abronye DC), the NPP’s Regional Chairman for the Ashanti Region. According to the petition, Baffoe was arrested and charged after making critical remarks about a judge, a move the party describes as a deliberate attempt to criminalise free speech. Despite his long-standing reputation as a respected political figure, Baffoe was denied bail, raising concerns about selective justice and judicial bias.
The NPP argues that such cases violate Ghana’s constitutional protections and undermine the 2001 repeal of criminal libel laws—a landmark reform under former President John Agyekum Kufuor that was intended to strengthen press freedom and democratic expression. However, the party claims the current administration has circumvented these protections by misusing alternative legal provisions to punish critics, effectively eroding decades of democratic progress.
State Security Agencies Used for Political Purposes
Beyond individual cases, the NPP accuses security agencies—particularly the police and intelligence services—of operating as political tools. The party alleges that opposition figures are frequently arrested through “dramatic operations” and held under harsh conditions, while government-aligned individuals often face no consequences for similar actions.
This selective enforcement of the law has deepened public distrust in Ghana’s justice system. The NPP warns that politically motivated arrests and prosecutions not only violate human rights but also undermine Ghana’s credibility in regional and international forums.
Judicial Independence Under Threat
Another major concern raised in the petition is the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, which the NPP argues has further weakened judicial independence. The party states that the sudden and controversial dismissal of the Chief Justice has fueled fears of judicial interference, particularly in cases involving politically sensitive figures.
The NPP warns that if judges are perceived as subject to political pressure, it will further erode public confidence in Ghana’s courts, undermining the very foundations of democracy.
A Call for International Intervention
In light of these growing concerns, the NPP has urged the diplomatic community, development partners, and human rights organisations to closely monitor developments in Ghana. The party is seeking international scrutiny to hold the government accountable for what it describes as the systematic suppression of free speech and democratic principles.
The petition demands that diplomats and human rights bodies:
– Publicly condemn the weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents.
– Engage the Ghanaian government on legal reforms that protect free expression.
– Monitor judicial proceedings to ensure fair and impartial justice.
– Amplify concerns about selective prosecution and intimidation tactics.
The NPP’s move highlights a deepening crisis in Ghana’s political landscape, where democratic backsliding and state-sponsored repression are threatening the nation’s stability. As the petition escalates diplomatic pressure, the international community’s response will be critical in determining whether Ghana’s democratic trajectory continues or faces irreversible damage.
The full implications of this petition remain to be seen, but the NPP’s unprecedented appeal to the diplomatic corps signals a new phase in the opposition’s fight against perceived political persecution.