The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has mounted a fierce challenge against what it calls the deliberate weaponisation of state institutions by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama. The party’s “Yɛn Suro Ahunahuna” demonstration in Accra was marked by accusations of selective justice, state-sponsored intimidation, and the abuse of political power.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, the National Organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, said the demonstration was organised to send a clear message to the president about growing threats to Ghana’s democratic values.
“What we are seeking to achieve is to send a signal to President Mahama, to let him know that he was elected as president of the country to defend democracy. The level at which our democracy is descending is worrying.
“The fact that there is a change in government does not mean that you weaponise state institutions, orchestrate things against your opponents”
Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the NPP
The NPP organiser alleged that the government had created a two-tier justice system, one that shields members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) while exposing opposition figures to harsh punishment. “Do we have a different set of laws for the NPP and other laws for the NDC?” he asked.
Nana B cited cases where individuals accused of criminal activity were spared arrest while others faced relentless pursuit.
“We had someone portray herself as a medical doctor, which is a criminal offence; she was not arrested. We also had Ralph St. Williams going to hospitals to disturb persons who were there for medical attention; he has not been arrested”
Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the NPP
He added that although Chief Azorka of the NDC was said to have been arrested during the Akwatia by-election for threats and assault on the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the NPP no clear evidence had been presented to prove the claim.
Petition to Authorities
The NPP formally petitioned President Mahama and the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, during the march.
“The protest was meant to highlight the deliberate abuse of power under the current administration,” Nana B stressed, explaining that according to the party, the petition underscores the harassment and intimidation suffered by its members as a result of politically motivated arrests and investigations since the new government assumed office.
The demonstration began at the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and wound its way through major parts of Accra before converging at the headquarters of the Ghana Police Service with hundreds of party supporters participating – carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding justice and fairness.
Security personnel lined the streets to maintain order as tensions ran high. According to the NPP, the protest was not just a necessary response to “state-sponsored intimidation,” but an attempt to draw the attention of both civil society and international partners.
National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha raised concerns about the role of the police, warning that continued political interference by the force could damage the integrity of the service. He argued that the current posture of the police risked eroding public trust at a time when impartiality was crucial.
The NPP insists that the police, by aligning with the current government’s alleged agenda, were undermining their constitutional role as protectors of justice and the public interest.
Awuku Denounces Harassment
Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwapim North, Hon. Sammy Awuku, also addressed the gathering and accused the government of using the law selectively to weaken opposition leadership while shielding ruling party officials from accountability.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The selective application of the rule of law and the laws of our country is sickening,” Hon. Awuku said. He pointed to the disparity in how statements by political leaders were treated depending on party affiliation, insisting that the double standards were glaring.
He made specific reference to the recent arrest of the NPP’s Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as for Abronye DC for making certain “comments that the police found offensive and difficult to stomach,” and the “draconian” bail conditions imposed on him as a clear abuse of state power.
He called on everyone to resist, in no uncertain terms, the prevailing bias with which the government of the day was treating the opposition, pointing out that it posses a great threat to Ghana’s democracy.
“I’m happy that the NPP’s young folks have risen to the occasion and are also clear in their minds that they will resist oppressors’ rule and speak against injustice, and also speak against the harassment and intimidation and the deliberate gaging up of opposition party leaders; this we will not allow”
Hon. Sammy Awuku, MP for Akwapim North
The NPP has vowed to continue mobilising its base to resist what it terms as an orchestrated attempt to weaken the opposition. With petitions submitted, protests held, and voices raised, the party has made it clear that it considers the protection of democratic freedoms a matter of urgent importance.
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