By Benjamin Adamafio Commey, GNA
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is due to hold a nationwide demonstration in Accra on Thursday to press its concerns over the country’s democratic institutions.
The march is scheduled to begin at the forecourt of the Supreme Court and proceed through designated streets to the Jubilee House, where party leaders are expected to present petitions to the Presidency.
Separate petitions are also expected to be delivered to the Supreme Court and Parliament.
The NPP says the protest, themed “Democracy Under Attack,” is intended to highlight what it describes as threats to constitutional governance, the rule of law and the independence of state institutions.
The party alleges political persecution, selective justice, abuse of state institutions and intimidation of opposition members.
Hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathisers from across Ghana are expected to participate.
The party says its petitions will call on state institutions to uphold justice, due process, accountability and institutional independence, which it says are essential to Ghana’s democratic system.
The demonstration follows the acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.
The NPP says the ruling raises concerns about consistency and impartiality in the administration of justice.
Mr Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Minister of Justice has said the state has appealed the High Court’s decision acquitting and discharging Attionu.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, has also said Attionu remains in prison custody pending the outcome of the appeal.
The NPP has also cited what it describes as the arbitrary arrest, detention and harassment of some of its members by state investigative and security agencies, saying the actions are politically motivated.
Henry Nana Boakye, NPP National Organiser, said the demonstration would provide a constitutional platform for citizens to express concerns about developments affecting the country’s democratic institutions.
“Our objective is neither confrontation nor disorder. Our objective is constitutional engagement,” he said.
Boakye urged participants to conduct themselves peacefully and said the Ghana Police Service had been notified of the demonstration and security arrangements had been agreed for the event.
Security personnel are expected to be deployed along the approved route to maintain public order, regulate traffic and provide protection for demonstrators and other road users.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Benjamin Adamafio Commey
[email protected]