The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party, Richard Ahiagbah, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to give serious consideration to the petition presented by the party, arguing that its proposals seek to strengthen democratic governance and guarantee equal treatment for every Ghanaian. He outlined that the demonstration fulfilled its immediate objectives through a peaceful march and the successful presentation of the petition to the Presidency and the Supreme Court.
Mr Ahiagbah explained that the demonstration was carefully organised to uphold public order while drawing national attention to issues the party believes deserve urgent presidential intervention. According to him, the exercise was never intended to create tension, as the focus remained on delivering a constitutional message through lawful means.
Addressing the outcome of the exercise, the Director of Communications described the peaceful conduct of participants as an important achievement for the party. Equally significant, he added, was the successful submission of the petition, which now places responsibility on the Presidency to examine the issues raised and respond appropriately.
“The other part of it rests with the President. He must pay heed to the petition, weigh it carefully and guide the country in a direction that benefits every Ghanaian.”
Richard Ahiagbah
Furthermore, Mr Ahiagbah argued that the petition calls for governance that serves the collective interest of citizens without creating perceptions of unequal treatment. He emphasised that public confidence in democratic institutions depends on decisions that inspire fairness and national unity.
In his assessment, the issues outlined in the document deserve thoughtful consideration because they touch directly on constitutional governance. The Director of Communications remarked that the petition was prepared to encourage constructive engagement between the Presidency and citizens seeking accountability.
He appealed to President Mahama to study the contents carefully and ensure that the recommendations receive appropriate attention. He suggested that a positive response would reinforce confidence in Ghana’s democratic institutions while demonstrating leadership that unites citizens.
The Communications Director further observed that democratic systems become stronger when governments remain open to public petitions and differing opinions. Consequently, he portrayed the exercise as an opportunity to deepen democratic participation through dialogue and constitutional processes.
Additionally, Mr Ahiagbah disclosed that the party intends to submit the same petition to Parliament after parliamentarians return from recess. He explained that the National Assembly also has an important responsibility in examining issues that affect governance and public confidence.
The Director of Communications stressed that engaging all three arms of government would ensure that the petition receives broader institutional attention. In his view, involving Parliament alongside the Presidency and the Supreme Court demonstrates the party’s commitment to lawful and democratic engagement.
Democracy Needs Equal Justice To Earn Public Trust
According to Mr Ahiagbah, the petition highlights what the party considers unequal treatment in the enforcement of the law, particularly in relation to arrests, investigations and bail conditions involving some citizens. From his perspective, such developments create the impression that political affiliation influences how justice is administered.
“Our appeal is for the Constitution to be upheld fairly so that no Ghanaian feels disadvantaged because of political affiliation.”
Richard Ahiagbah
Furthermore, Mr Ahiagbah observed that the petition urges President Mahama to ensure that governance promotes equality before the law. He argued that safeguarding democratic principles requires institutions that operate without creating perceptions of preferential treatment.
Turning to the President, the Communications Director described him as someone with a reputation for being approachable and pleasant. Nevertheless, he suggested that those personal qualities should become more visible through decisions taken by the government and its institutions.
“President Mahama is a good citizen. He is a very pleasant person. But his good nature is not shining through his government; we don’t see it.”
Richard Ahiagbah
In his assessment, the petition was intended to draw the President’s attention to matters that may not have reached him fully. Consequently, Mr Ahiagbah expressed optimism that the Presidency would carefully review the issues and introduce measures that reinforce public confidence.
Discussing criticism surrounding the demonstration, the Director of Communications acknowledged the emotional significance of the memorial activities held for victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash. Even so, he argued that commemorating national heroes and defending democratic principles could proceed side by side without diminishing either purpose.
Additionally, Mr Ahiagbah rejected suggestions that the demonstration showed disrespect to the memory of the fallen officers and public officials. He explained that participants recognised the sacrifices of those who lost their lives while simultaneously exercising a constitutional right to petition the government.
According to him, democratic societies become stronger when opposing political parties engage one another through lawful means instead of dismissing differing opinions. He argued that public demonstrations are important constitutional mechanism for drawing attention to national issues.
Moreover, Mr Ahiagbah reiterated that the petition was not motivated by retaliation or partisan rivalry. Instead, he explained that the objective was to encourage reforms that would prevent future governments from facing similar allegations regarding the administration of justice.
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