The New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has presented separate petitions to the Supreme Court and Jubilee House, accusing the government of political persecution, selective justice and the abuse of state institutions.
The petitions formed part of the party’s nationwide “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration, which it says is intended to draw attention to what it describes as growing threats to Ghana’s democratic principles under the current administration.
According to the NPP, the protest was aimed at highlighting developments it believes are undermining the rule of law, judicial independence and public confidence in state institutions.
Among the issues cited were the acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, and the 20-year prison sentence imposed on the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The party argued that these developments raise concerns about the consistency and impartiality of Ghana’s justice system.
Hundreds of NPP supporters, dressed in the party’s symbolic black and red colours, marched through the streets of Accra in support of the demonstration.
The protest attracted party executives, Members of Parliament, former government officials and grassroots supporters.
At Jubilee House, the presentation of the petition was briefly delayed after security personnel restricted members of the media from entering the inner perimeter to cover the event.
NPP leaders refused to proceed until journalists were granted access.
The party also initially declined to hand over the petition when Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah arrived to receive it, insisting they had expected either Chief of Staff Julius Debrah or President John Mahama to accept the document.
The NPP said the absence of the Chief of Staff showed a lack of respect for the concerns raised in the petition.
After further discussions between both sides, the party agreed to present the petition to Nana Yaa Jantuah, who assured the delegation that it would be delivered to the Presidency.
