By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Ghana’s political landscape faced heightened tension on Thursday as the main opposition New Patriotic Party escalated its campaign against the administration led by President John Mahama. Hundreds of opposition members took to the streets for a demonstration titled Democracy Under Attack. The protest culminated in formal petitions delivered to both the Supreme Court and the seat of government, the Jubilee House. Party leaders alleged that state institutions are being weaponized to target political opponents, stifle dissent, and undermine the rule of law.
Supreme Court Petition and Judicial Independence
The march began with a delegation heading directly to the nation’s highest court. The opposition expressed deep concerns regarding what it termed growing threats to judicial independence. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin pointed to recent developments as evidence of executive overreach. He criticized the removal of the former Chief Justice, alleging that the action formed part of a calculated attempt to influence the judiciary. Also, the opposition accused the administration of orchestrating judicial processes during the courts’ official vacation period specifically to fast-track cases involving opposition members.
Confrontation at Jubilee House
Following the court visit, protesters marched to the Jubilee House to deliver a second petition to the presidency. The handover faced a brief procedural stalemate when opposition leaders objected to the level of government representation. Party officials argued that sending only a presidential staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah, to receive the document constituted a snub. The delegation included senior figures such as the Minority Leader, the party’s General Secretary, and the Chief of Staff to the party’s flagbearer.
Addressing the designated receiver directly, Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin stated, “We have selected our democracy. Without prejudice to your person, to nominate only you to come amounts to disrespecting us as a political party.” Despite the initial friction, the opposition proceeded with the event in the interest of democratic continuity. The party’s Deputy National Youth Organiser ultimately presented the petition on behalf of the delegation, and Nana Yaa Jantuah formally accepted the document on behalf of the government.
Allegations of Selective Justice and Arbitrary Arrests
The core of the opposition’s grievance centers on what it describes as a pattern of arbitrary arrests and selective justice. Party leadership questioned the legal circumstances surrounding the imprisonment of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi. The opposition argued that his conviction raises serious questions about the fairness of the judicial process.
Additional criticism was directed at the Economic and Organised Crime Office. The opposition alleged that the investigative body imposes punitive bail conditions on political figures by demanding properties valued at millions of cedis prior to release. Party speakers argued that these tactics amount to political intimidation designed to silence critics.
Broader Governance and Economic Concerns
Beyond legal and judicial matters, the protest served as a platform to address broader governance and economic grievances. Minority leaders accused the administration of abandoning core campaign promises regarding job creation, the implementation of a 24-hour economy, electricity tariff adjustments, and cocoa pricing. They argued that the government has diverted its focus toward targeting political rivals instead of addressing pressing economic challenges.
The opposition also invoked international economic assessments to warn the administration of accountability. Citing a recent International Monetary Fund report that reportedly highlighted losses amounting to GH¢9.6 billion in GoldBod transactions, the party argued that current financial improprieties within public institutions will eventually face future scrutiny.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the protest, Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin cautioned authorities against political hubris. He reminded officials that political power is transient and that the NPP could return to office following the 2028 general election.
“We are saying democracy is under attack, and let us all take steps as players in the governance structure to correct it and make Ghana a better place,” he concluded.
