The Ghana Union Movement (GUM) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over what it describes as undemocratic and irresponsible conduct in relation to the recent legal saga involving the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In a press release signed by the General Secretary of the movement, Anthony Gold Ahinful, GUM criticised the behaviour of NPP minority Members of Parliament who publicly protested by sitting on the floor following the inability of the party’s executive to meet Wontumi’s bail conditions. According to GUM, such actions undermine democratic governance and the authority of Ghana’s legal institutions.
“The party expresses its complete dissatisfaction with the behavior of the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (N.P.P.), especially the minority members of parliament who are paid with taxpayers’ money to work for Ghana going there to sit on the floor (or bare ground) because their party executive could not meet the bail conditions”
Ghana Union Movement
GUM described the protest as unpatriotic, politically immature, and a poor example for younger generations who look to national leaders for guidance. The statement questioned how members of a major political party could resort to theatrics rather than respecting legal processes, especially so soon after relinquishing power.
“Such action can be labeled as politically childish and democratically unpatriotic,” the party said.
It further urged the NPP to reflect on its conduct and refrain from inciting party supporters in a way that interferes with national security operations or undermines the rule of law. GUM stressed that it expects all political parties, particularly those that have governed before, to demonstrate maturity in public discourse and behaviour.
The statement reminded the NPP that it handed over political power barely six months ago and should have confidence in the very legal and security systems it once presided over.
“If they know that they left a dependable state security and legal bodies of integrity and trust then why do they not allow them to operate smoothly”
Ghana Union Movement
The party questioned the need for political interference in what it sees as a purely legal matter, stating unequivocally that Ghana’s legal system remains intact and should be allowed to function without partisan pressure or public dramatics. The Ghana Union Movement emphasized that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, should be shielded from justice.
“The laws of Ghana have not changed since they left office,” GUM reminded the former ruling party.
Undermining State Institutions
According to the Ghana Union Movement, the NPP’s recent actions risk undermining confidence in state institutions, including the judiciary and security services. The party cautioned against “abusive and threatening utterances” which it believes are part of an effort to interfere with lawful proceedings in Wontumi’s alleged criminal matter.
“The leadership of a great party like the NPP is expected to lead by example of which our future leaders can emulate for the betterment of our democracy than to insight members to disrupting a smooth flow of the activities of state security”
Ghana Union Movement
The Union’s leadership stressed that partisan loyalty should never be used to excuse or justify actions that appear to undermine due process or the independence of state agencies. GUM believes the country’s peace and democratic stability depend on every political actor upholding the rule of law irrespective of who is involved.
In its closing remarks, the Ghana Union Movement appealed to all citizens and political stakeholders to contribute positively toward a better and more prosperous Ghana. The party’s message was direct and unequivocal: “We should all contribute to making a better and prosperous Ghana. Let the laws work.”
The statement comes amid heightened public attention on Chairman Wontumi’s case and the broader conduct of political parties following Ghana’s recent transition of power. The government has reiterated a commitment to upholding the rule of law and depoliticizing state institutions. GUM’s call appears to align with this national agenda.
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