Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) yesterday staged a protest march in Accra under the theme “Democracy Under Attack”, accusing the government of undermining Ghana’s democratic institutions.
The protesters, who gathered around the Supreme Court and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) area, marched through some principal streets of the capital to present petitions to the Judiciary and the Presidency.
The demonstration attracted senior party figures, including the Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin; former National Youth Organiser, Mr Sammy Awuku; former Attorney-General, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea; Mr Vincent Attafuah and Mr Dennis Aboagye.
The march was organised to highlight what the party described as threats to Ghana’s democratic progress and institutions.
Many of the protesters, dressed in the party’s red, white and blue colours, carried placards with messages calling for the protection of constitutional rule, judicial independence and equal justice.
Some participants also wore red and black outfits, which they said symbolised their concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
The march began from the Supreme Court, passed through the Ministries area, the National Theatre and other major roads before ending at the Jubilee House, where a second petition was presented to the Presidency.
The NPP General Secretary, Mr Justin Kodua Frimpong, presented the party’s petition to the Supreme Court on behalf of the leadership.
The petition was received by the Judicial Secretary, Mr Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice, Dr Baffoe Bonnie.
In the petition, the NPP expressed concerns about what it described as attacks on Ghana’s democratic institutions under the current administration.
The party alleged that the removal of the Chief Justice from office had affected public confidence in the independence of the Judiciary.
It further accused the government of restricting freedom of speech and claimed that members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition were not receiving equal treatment under the justice system.
According to the party, some NPP members had been subjected to arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention and difficult bail conditions, which it said were inconsistent with democratic principles.
The NPP maintained that democracy must guarantee fairness, equal protection under the law and respect for the rights of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.
At the Jubilee House, the petition was received on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama by Ms Nana Yaa Jantuah.
Addressing supporters after the march and presentation of the petitions, Mr Afenyo-Markin described the demonstration as a peaceful and constitutional expression of concerns by citizens about the direction of Ghana’s democracy.
He urged party members to remain united and focused ahead of the 2028 general election.
“The future of the NPP depends on unity, hard work and victory,” he said, stressing that the party must first unite before working towards regaining political power.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the NPP remained committed to the rule of law and would continue to use democratic channels to express its views.
He also criticised some policies of the NDC government, including the 24-hour economy initiative, questioning its ability to deliver the promised jobs for Ghanaians.
The Minority Leader expressed confidence that the NPP would win the 2028 elections under its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and return to the Jubilee House to implement its development agenda.
The protest ended peacefully, with security personnel deployed along the route to maintain order and ensure the smooth movement of demonstrators and commuters.
BY ENOCH NTIAMOAH SIAW
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