The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally escalated its concerns to Ghana’s diplomatic community, accusing the government of systematic political persecution, suppression of dissent, and a deliberate erosion of democratic freedoms 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 allegations of state-sponsored intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and judicial bias, warning that Ghana’s democratic foundations are under severe threat.
A Culture of Silence and the Criminalisation of Free Speech
The NPP’s statement, issued on Monday, paints a grim picture of a nation where political opposition is increasingly met with legal harassment, arbitrary detentions, and media suppression. The party argues that President Mahama’s government has weaponised state institutions—including the police, intelligence agencies, and the judiciary—to silence critics, journalists, and opposition figures, effectively creating a “culture of silence” where citizens fear openly voicing dissent.
“Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in West Africa is being tarnished by a deliberate campaign to stifle free expression,” the NPP stated. “The rule of law is being undermined, and the gains of past democratic reforms are being systematically dismantled.”
The petition explicitly condemns the government’s use of legal mechanisms to punish political opponents, despite Ghana’s 2001 repeal of criminal libel laws—a reform under former President John Agyekum Kufuor that was meant to protect press freedom and democratic discourse. The NPP claims that while the criminal libel law was abolished, the government has resorted to alternative legal strategies—such as defamation suits, arbitrary arrests, and selective prosecutions—to target dissenting voices.
High-Profile Cases of Political Persecution
The NPP cites several high-profile incidents to support its claims, including the recent arrest of Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC, the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman. Baffoe was detained and charged after making public remarks critical of a judge, a case the NPP describes as “a blatant attempt to criminalise free speech.”
“His denial of bail demonstrates how the judicial system is being manipulated to punish political opponents,” the party stated. “This is not justice—it is political persecution disguised as the rule of law.”
Other cases mentioned include:
– Arrests of opposition lawmakers under dramatic police operations, often followed by prolonged detentions without charge.
– Selective enforcement of laws, where NPP members face swift investigations and prosecutions, while government-aligned figures allegedly commit similar offences without consequence.
– Intimidation of journalists and media outlets, with reports of unofficial warnings, asset seizures, and legal threats against critical reporters.
Judicial Independence Under Scrutiny
A central concern raised by the NPP is the compromised independence of Ghana’s judiciary, particularly following the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo in 2015. The party argues that her sudden dismissal—despite her impeccable reputation—sent a chilling message to judges, suggesting that political pressure could influence judicial decisions.
“The public now believes that judges may hesitate to rule against the government due to fear of retribution,” the NPP warned. “This undermines public trust in the justice system and further erodes democratic accountability.”
Call for International Intervention
In its petition, the NPP urgently appeals to Ghana’s diplomatic community, international human rights organisations, and development partners to monitor the situation closely and intervene where necessary. The party demands accountability from the government, calling for:
– An immediate halt to political arrests and prosecutions of opposition figures.
– Reforms to ensure judicial independence and prevent selective enforcement of laws.
– Protection of press freedom, including an end to harassment of journalists and media outlets.
– Transparency in state security operations, particularly regarding arbitrary detentions and intimidation tactics.
“Ghana’s democratic progress cannot be reversed without international scrutiny and pressure,” the NPP stated. “We urge our partners to stand with the people of Ghana and defend the values of democracy, free speech, and the rule of law.”
The petition marks a major escalation in the NPP’s campaign against what it describes as a “systematic assault on Ghana’s democratic institutions.” As the opposition party seeks global attention, the government has yet to respond to these serious allegations, leaving the future of Ghana’s political landscape increasingly uncertain.