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 party warns that Ghana’s democratic foundations are under severe threat, with opposition figures, journalists, and critics facing targeted harassment under the guise of law enforcement.
A Culture of Silence and the Weaponisation of State Institutions
The NPP’s statement, issued on Monday, paints a disturbing picture of a nation where free expression is increasingly under siege. The party argues that political opponents, activists, and independent voices are subjected to coordinated campaigns of intimidation, including unjustified arrests, prolonged detentions, and legal harassment, all aimed at silencing dissent.
“This is not merely a matter of isolated incidents but a deliberate strategy to instil fear and suppress opposition,” the statement reads. “Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa is being tarnished by a growing culture of silence, where citizens hesitate to speak out for fear of retaliation.”
The petition explicitly accuses the government of weaponising state institutions—including the police, intelligence agencies, and the judiciary—to target political adversaries. It claims that legal frameworks are being manipulated to criminalise dissent, undermining Ghana’s constitutional protections and international commitments to democratic governance.
High-Profile Cases: Arbitrary Arrests and Judicial Bias
The NPP cites multiple high-profile cases to substantiate its claims, including the recent arrest of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the Regional Chairman of the NPP in the Ashanti Region. Baffoe was detained and charged following public remarks deemed critical of a judge, a move the party describes as “a blatant violation of free speech rights.”
“His denial of bail and subsequent prosecution under flimsy charges demonstrate a disturbing pattern of judicial bias,” the statement asserts. “Such actions not only criminalise legitimate political discourse but also send a chilling message to all citizens who dare to challenge the status quo.”
The petition further highlights the repeal of criminal libel laws in 2001 under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, which was hailed as a landmark reform strengthening press freedom. However, the NPP argues that the current administration has undermined these gains by exploiting alternative legal mechanisms—such as defamation suits, sedition charges, and arbitrary detentions—to silence critics without due process.
Selective Enforcement and the Erosion of Judicial Independence
A central concern raised by the NPP is the selective application of the law, where opposition figures face swift investigations and harsh penalties, while government-aligned individuals often evade accountability for similar offences.
“This double standard is not just unfair—it is a direct assault on the rule of law,” the party states. “When the police and intelligence services operate with impunity, targeting only those who oppose the government, it erodes public trust in the very institutions meant to protect democracy.”
The petition also draws attention to the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, arguing that the move has further weakened judicial independence. The party warns that politically motivated judicial decisions—particularly in cases involving opposition leaders and activists—have deepened public skepticism about the fairness of Ghana’s justice system.
A Call for International Intervention
In light of these allegations, the NPP is urging the diplomatic community, human rights organisations, and development partners to actively monitor Ghana’s democratic backsliding. The party demands immediate intervention to halt the persecution of political opponents and restore the rule of law.
“Ghana’s democratic progress cannot be reversed without international pressure,” the statement concludes. “We appeal to our partners to speak out, engage the government, and ensure that no further erosion of freedoms occurs under this administration.”
The petition marks a sharp escalation in the NPP’s criticism of the Mahama government, reinforcing its stance that political repression is now systemic and requires urgent corrective action to safeguard Ghana’s democratic future.