The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, has criticised the conduct of security agencies during ongoing investigations involving members of the party. He argued that recent arrests and detentions have raised concerns about fairness and constitutional governance.
He defended the remarks he made at the headquarters of the Ghana Police Service following the invitation extended to Nana Addo Nyame by the security agency. At the police headquarters, the General Secretary warned that the party would respond firmly if what he described as political intimidation continued unchecked.
According to him, the current atmosphere creates the impression that the law is being applied differently depending on political affiliation. He suggested that actions taken by state institutions under the present administration weaken public confidence in sections of the country.
“Words like mine speak the truth. It speaks of what is happening in this country and the sad situation that we find ourselves in in this country. All we ask is for due process to be respected.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong
The General Secretary of NPP also criticised the manner in which cases involving opposition members were handled. He claimed some individuals were arrested without authorities immediately informing them or their lawyers about the reasons for the action.
He cited the case of a regional communicator, Baba Amando who was reportedly transported from Sunyani to Accra after honouring an invitation from the police. According to him, the reasons for the transfer were not immediately communicated to the individual at the centre of the investigation.
Furthermore, he argued that Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right of arrested persons to know the basis of their detention and to have access to legal counsel. He added that state institutions carry a responsibility to uphold those constitutional protections at every stage of criminal investigations.
The opposition figure also raised concerns about what he described as unequal treatment in matters involving the alleged publication of false information by NPP political activists. He claimed similar statements made in previous years by members of the governing party did not attract comparable police action.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Rule Of Law Amid Growing Political Friction
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party dismissed attempts to compare the current political climate with the period when the NPP was in government. He argued that investigations involving members of the opposition during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo followed constitutional procedures and judicial processes.
The politician explained that members of the National Democratic Congress who faced legal action under the previous government were processed before competent courts. He added that party officials and lawyers had access to those individuals throughout the legal process.
According to him, the administration of President Akufo Addo upheld the principles of constitutional governance despite political disagreements. He also stated that state institutions operated within legal limits during the tenure of the former government.
“At least there was respect for due process. People knew where those arrested were held. Their lawyers also had access to them.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong
The NPP General Secretary further argued that the circumstances under the current administration differed significantly from events under the previous government. He suggested that the present political atmosphere raises concerns about fairness and equal treatment within the democratic system.
He also indicated that the NDC campaigned heavily on promises of reform and improved governance before returning to power.
He therefore questioned why issues surrounding governance and democratic accountability have resurfaced under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama. In his view, governments elected on promises of change carry a responsibility to demonstrate higher standards in office.
“If the excuse is that it happened before, then what was the need for change. Ghanaians voted for a different direction. Leadership must correct past mistakes.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong
The General Secretary also linked national peace and stability to the conduct of the governing administration. He explained that every elected government carries the duty of preserving democratic order and public confidence in state institutions.
Kodua Frimpong believes that the former President, His Excellency Akufo Addo handed over a peaceful and stable country at the end of his tenure. He expressed confidence that the current administration would also preserve stability and eventually transfer power peacefully to former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in 2029.
The politician further urged the media and civil society organisations to be vocal on matters affecting constitutional governance and democracy. He argued that silence from influential institutions could deepen political tension and weaken public trust in democracy.
He also appealed for national vigilance in protecting the rule of law and constitutional order. In his view, democratic accountability depends on active public engagement and responsible political leadership.
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