Petition To IGP For Prosecution of Hon. Bryan Acheampong For Treason

The New Ghana organization is urgently calling for the arrest and prosecution of the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Bryan Acheampong, for making a statement that the organization finds inciteful and treasonable.

The statement in question, made by the Member of Parliament for Abetifi constituency, is as follows: "NPP would not hand over power to the NDC."

The passing of power from one party to the next is not left to the discretion or decision of the ruling party. It lies with the electorate of Ghana, and when their decision to maintain or change the ruling party is confirmed by the Electoral Commission, not even the armed forces can decide otherwise.

It is therefore reckless and reasonable for Bryan Acheampong to boast that his party will not hand over power. It is a needless stoking of political tension.

In law, the calibre of the person making the statement matters. Bryan is a Former National Security Minister. He played a leading role in the catastrophic security mess that resulted in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence. He must therefore be held to higher standards and should be the last person to make a "you can go to hell" at this time. Also, he served in the US Air Force between 2004 and 2006 according to his wiki. That is why we are calling on the USA institutions to make a profound statement by condemning Hon. Bryan Acheampong's ominous statement that threatens Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of stability and democracy in Africa.

The youth of Ghana consider this statement deeply troubling and threatening, citing that it violates the provisions of the 1992 Constitution, specifically Article 19(17). The fact that Bryan Acheampong continues to hold a public position indicates that the ruling NPP government endorses his inciteful statement.

Additionally, the New Ghana Movement describes his recent comments as "irresponsible," warning that, could potentially lead to national unrest.

The remarks undermine state institutions and appear to encourage the ruling party's supporters and state security forces to engage in lawless acts should the NPP lose power in the 2024 elections. The statement by Hon. Acheampong that "NPP will show the NDC that the NPP have the men and that the NPP will do everything possible—fair or foul means to remain in power come what may in the 2024 general elections," is seen as an attempt to embolden his party's base for political violence.

The New Ghana organization emphasizes that the words of politicians have a direct impact on their followers and can influence behavior patterns. In light of this, we are calling on the Ghana Police Service to arrest and prosecute Bryan Acheampong for this serious offense.

The New Ghana organization was established to promote good governance and advocate for the peace and stability that Ghana has relatively enjoyed over the years.

Treason under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana is defined as "levying war against Ghana or assisting any state, person, or inciting or conspiring with any person to levy war against Ghana; or attempting by force of arms or other violent means to overthrow the organs of government established by or under this Constitution; or taking part or being concerned in or inciting or conspiring with any person to make or take part or be concerned in any such attempt."