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, urging members of Ghana’s diplomatic community to intervene. In a comprehensive petition delivered to the diplomatic corps in Accra, the party has detailed allegations of suppression of dissent, erosion of democratic institutions, and the weaponisation of state institutions against political opponents, journalists, and critics.
A Culture of Intimidation and the Criminalisation of Free Speech
The NPP’s statement, issued on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, paints a disturbing picture of Ghana’s political climate, where open political expression is increasingly met with repression. The party asserts that individuals who challenge the government’s policies or leadership are routinely subjected to arbitrary arrests, baseless prosecutions, and psychological intimidation, creating an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship.
This, the NPP warns, threatens to dismantle Ghana’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in West Africa. The party describes the situation as a “culture of silence”, where citizens—particularly those in opposition—hesitate to voice dissent due to the real risk of legal and extra-legal consequences.
Targeted Prosecutions and the Erosion of Legal Protections
Central to the NPP’s petition are specific cases where individuals have been unjustly targeted for exercising their constitutional rights. One prominent example is Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the NPP’s Northern Regional Chairman. According to the party, Baffoe was arrested and charged after making critical remarks about a judge, a case that the NPP argues demonstrates the government’s willingness to use the legal system as a tool of political repression.
The NPP highlights that Baffoe was denied bail, a decision the party claims undermines the presumption of innocence and violated fair trial standards. Such actions, the NPP insists, constitute the criminalisation of free speech, a direct violation of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression.
The petition also reiterates a historical concern: despite Ghana’s 2001 repeal of criminal libel laws under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the current administration has resorted to alternative legal mechanisms—such as defamation, sedition, and public order offences—to silence critics. The NPP argues that these creative interpretations of the law effectively erode the democratic gains made over the past two decades.
State Security Agencies: Tools of Political Control?
A central allegation in the petition is that state security agencies—particularly the police and intelligence services—are being deployed for partisan purposes. The NPP claims that opposition figures are frequently arrested through “dramatic operations” and detained under harsh conditions, often without clear legal justification.
The party cites multiple instances where NPP members have been swiftly investigated and prosecuted, while government-aligned individuals accused of similar offences face minimal consequences. This, the NPP argues, undermines the rule of law and reinforces a perception of judicial bias.
Judicial Independence Under Scrutiny
The NPP’s concerns extend to the judiciary, particularly following the controversial removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo in June 2014. The party asserts that this high-profile dismissal has further eroded public confidence in the independence of Ghana’s judiciary, especially in cases involving politically sensitive issues.
The NPP warns that judges may now face undue pressure when handling cases against opposition figures, risking a slide into a system where justice is not blind but politically motivated. This, it argues, threatens the very foundation of Ghana’s democratic governance.
A Call for International Intervention
In light of these allegations, the NPP has urged the diplomatic community, development partners, and human rights organisations to actively monitor developments in Ghana. The party demands accountability from the government and publicly condemns the misuse of legal frameworks to suppress dissent.
The NPP’s petition explicitly requests that diplomats raise these concerns with the Mahama administration, advocate for the protection of free speech, and ensure that Ghana’s democratic institutions remain robust and impartial. Without international pressure, the party warns, Ghana’s democratic backsliding could permanently damage its global standing.
A Warning to Ghana’s Democratic Future
The NPP’s intervention underscores a critical moment in Ghana’s political trajectory. While the country has historically been a model of stability in the region, the rising tide of repression—as documented in the petition—poses a serious threat to its democratic credentials. The party’s formal appeal to the diplomatic corps signals a determination to hold the government accountable and prevent further erosion of Ghana’s hard-won democratic freedoms.
As the situation unfolds, the international community’s response will be vital in determining whether Ghana can reverse this trend or risk becoming another example of democratic decline in Africa.