The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of targeting members of the opposition, saying the alleged actions are a threat to Ghana’s democracy.
According to the Minority, Members of Parliament and other members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been singled out because they have expressed views that differ from those of the government.
The caucus claims state investigative and prosecutorial bodies are being used against them.
Speaking during his closing remarks at the end of the second meeting of the second session of the Ninth Parliament on Friday, July 31, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said he was worried about what he believes is a growing trend of political intimidation.
“We say to the NDC government: stop the harassment of the opposition,” he said.
He said state institutions should not be used to go after political opponents, warning that such actions could weaken the country’s democracy.
“Members of the New Patriotic Party, including Minority MPs, have been maliciously targeted and harassed simply for holding different views through the use of the investigative and prosecutorial powers of the state,” Afenyo-Markin alleged.
“We say, without apology, that this is both dangerous and wrong. A government that fears its critics has already told us something horrifying about itself.”
The Minority Leader also claimed that the alleged actions are creating “a culture of silence” in the country.
He further expressed concern about what he described as a number of questionable court decisions in recent times, saying they appear to show unequal treatment under the law.
“We also place on record a shocking string of doubtful judicial decisions that have emerged in recent times. Taken together, they appear to suggest that there is one set of justice for the friends and cronies of this government and another, altogether harsher, set for its opponents,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin said Ghana’s democracy depends on allowing the opposition to speak freely and without fear.
“Ghana is bigger than any one party, and our democracy only works if the opposition can speak,” he added.
