By Benjamin Adamafio Commey
Accra, Aug. 6, GNA – Hundreds of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters have marched through Accra in a protest over what the opposition party describes as threats to democracy, justice and state institutions.
The demonstrators assembled at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before moving through designated routes to the Jubilee House, where the party is expected to submit petitions to state institutions.
NPP leaders said the petitions to the Supreme Court, Presidency and Parliament were aimed at raising concerns over constitutional governance, due process, accountability and institutional independence.
The protest, organised under the theme “Democracy Under Attack”, forms part of the party’s campaign against what it describes as political persecution, selective justice, abuse of state institutions and intimidation of its members.
The NPP said the petitions would urge constitutional bodies to uphold justice and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
The demonstration also follows the acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, which NPP alleges raises questions about consistency and impartiality in the administration of justice.
Mrs Attionu, who was CEO from 2013 to 2016, had her High Court conviction and 10-year prison sentence overturned on Thursday July 30.
She was convicted on multiple counts of financial crime in absentia.
The former CEO had left Ghana in 2019 after obtaining court permission to travel abroad for a medical check-up but did not return to continue with her trial.
Mrs Attionu was, however, extradited from the United States to Ghana on June 9, 2026, the first such extradition between the two countries since 2009.
The appellate court acquitted and discharged her, ruling that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Dr Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, has, however, said his office had appealed the Court of Appeal’s decision that acquitted and discharged Mrs Attionu.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of Government Communication has explained that the former CEO of MASLOC was in prison custody pending the hearing 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.
It has alleged that such actions were politically motivated.
A significant Police presence was deployed during the protest to maintain security and protect lives and property.
Ahead of the demonstration, Mr Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Spokesperson for former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, called on the Government to tolerate dissenting views and protect citizens’ right to expression.
Speaking in an interview with the media, he said democracy could not thrive where people were afraid to express opposing opinions.
“If you are in government and people are afraid to speak, then what becomes of democracy?” he asked.
Mr Aboagye alleged that some citizens and political critics had experienced intimidation and unfair treatment by state institutions, but said he had not personally faced such treatment.
He cited the case of a young woman who he said had been remanded into custody under bail conditions she was unable to meet, arguing that such incidents raised concerns about justice delivery.
Mr Aboagye said he had previously written to the Chief Justice on behalf of the People’s Forum over concerns about what he described as the growing confidence of some security agencies in securing favourable outcomes before the courts.
He called for stronger judicial oversight to ensure accountability among law enforcement agencies and maintain public confidence in the justice system.
Mr Aboagye also criticised what he described as the criminalisation of insults, arguing that civic education and public engagement were better approaches than imprisonment.
He called on the National Commission for Civic Education to intensify education on responsible expression and the legal limits of free speech, including on social media platforms.
Mr Salam Mustapha, National Youth Organiser of the NPP, said the demonstration reflected concerns among party supporters about developments affecting Ghana’s democratic governance.
He alleged that political activists were increasingly being targeted and warned that such actions could affect other groups, including the media.
Mr Mustapha criticised the removal of the former Chief Justice, claiming it had created fear within the judiciary and affected public confidence in the independence of the courts.
He said the NPP supported investigations into public officials but would oppose what it described as politically motivated actions against its members.
Mr Mustapha said the Government should focus on addressing economic challenges, including the cost of living, food prices and fuel prices.
He said the NPP would continue to defend its members against what it termed political persecution and resist any form of tyranny, dictatorship or abuse of power.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Benjamin Adamafio Commey
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