The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally escalated its concerns to Ghana’s diplomatic community, accusing the government of systematic political persecution, including suppression of dissent, arbitrary arrests, and judicial intimidation under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. In a comprehensive petition delivered to members of the diplomatic corps in Accra, the opposition party has detailed its allegations, warning that Ghana’s democratic foundations are under severe threat as institutions meant to uphold justice and free expression are weaponised against political opponents.
A Culture of Silence and the Criminalisation of Free Speech
The NPP’s statement, issued on Monday, paints a disturbing picture of a nation where citizens increasingly fear voicing dissent due to state-sponsored harassment. The party argues that the gradual erosion of democratic norms—marked by selective prosecutions, intimidation, and the misuse of legal frameworks—has created a “culture of silence” where public debate is chilled by fear of reprisal.
“Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy is being tarnished by actions that undermine the very principles we hold dear,” the statement reads. “The weaponisation of state institutions against critics, journalists, and opposition figures is not just a violation of constitutional rights—it is a direct assault on the rule of law.”
Targeted Arrests and Judicial Bias: The Case of Abronye DC
One of the most high-profile examples cited in the petition is the recent arrest and detention of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman. Baffoe was detained and charged following comments he made critical of a judge, a case the NPP describes as “a blatant attempt to silence dissent through legal harassment.”
The party denied him bail, arguing that the procedural irregularities and political motivations behind his arrest undermine judicial fairness. “This is not justice—it is the criminalisation of free speech,” the NPP stated, highlighting how the government is exploiting legal mechanisms to punish political opponents** rather than uphold the law.”
The Repeal of Criminal Libel and Its Undermining
Ghana’s 2001 repeal of criminal libel laws under former President John Agyekum Kufuor was hailed as a landmark victory for press freedom, removing a colonial-era legal tool used to suppress criticism. However, the NPP accuses the current administration of circumventing this reform by relying on alternative legal provisions—such as defamation, sedition, and cybercrime laws—to penalise dissenting voices.
“While the government claims to respect free speech, its actions reveal a deliberate strategy to stifle opposition,” the petition asserts. “From journalists facing harassment to activists being detained under vague charges, the message is clear: speak out, and you will be punished.”
State Security Agencies: Political Tools, Not Protectors
A central concern raised by the NPP is the increasing politicisation of Ghana’s security apparatus, including the police and intelligence services. The party alleges that these institutions are being used for partisan purposes, with opposition figures subjected to dramatic raids, arbitrary detentions, and prolonged incarceration under flimsy pretexts.
“We have seen a pattern where opposition members are arrested in the dead of night, held without bail, and subjected to psychological torture to force confessions,” the statement claims. “Meanwhile, those aligned with the ruling party often face no consequences for similar actions.”
Selective Justice and the Erosion of Judicial Independence
The NPP’s petition also targets the judiciary, particularly following the controversial removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo in 2023. The party argues that this high-profile dismissal has undermined public trust in the justice system, fueling fears that political influence is now a factor in judicial decisions**.
“When judges are perceived to be under pressure to deliver verdicts that favour the government, the rule of law is dead,” the statement warns. “This is not just a threat to democracy—it is a direct attack on the very fabric of Ghanaian society.”
A Call for International Intervention
In its final appeal, the NPP has urged the diplomatic community, human rights organisations, and development partners to actively monitor developments in Ghana. The party demands accountability, calling on foreign observers to publicly condemn the misuse of legal frameworks and press the government to reverse its repressive policies.
“Ghana’s democratic experiment is at a crossroads,” the petition concludes. “If left unchecked, this slide into authoritarianism will not only harm our nation but also damage our international standing. We urge our partners to stand with us in defending the rights of all Ghanaians to speak freely, assemble peacefully, and participate in governance without fear.”**
The NPP’s formal petition marks a significant escalation in its campaign against perceived government overreach, signaling that it will not hesitate to seek external pressure to halt what it describes as a systematic assault on democracy.