The Rising Recklessness of the NPP: A Dangerous Threat to National Peace and Democratic Accountability

In any maturing democracy, the expectation is that political transitions would be marked by civility, responsibility, and cooperation, particularly from parties that once held the reins of power. Unfortunately, in Ghana, what the nation is witnessing from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is a growing wave of political recklessness, inflammatory rhetoric, and blatant attempts to frustrate the work of the current government — all in the name of defending individuals accused of wrongdoing during their time in office.

Since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) returned to power in 2025, the state has moved to ensure that those who mismanaged public funds or engaged in acts of corruption under the previous administration are brought to book. However, rather than submitting themselves to the due processes of law, certain elements within the NPP have chosen a more perilous path — one that not only defies the norms of democratic accountability but also dangerously teeters on the edge of national destabilisation.

From statements made by high-ranking party officials to their physical presence at security installations where their colleagues are being questioned, it is becoming clear that the NPP is not ready to allow the government to perform its constitutional duty. Their actions have now moved beyond mere partisan commentary into a worrying pattern of interference in justice and security processes.

Most alarming is a recent comment by a former national security coordinator, who shockingly warned that if arrests of former NPP appointees continue, they will ensure that the entire country “burns.” This is not political hyperbole — it is a direct and unambiguous threat to national security and public peace. In any lawful society, such a statement would invite serious criminal investigation and consequences. For someone who once occupied a sensitive national security position to make such a declaration raises urgent questions about the depth of institutional compromise and the danger posed by unaccountable power.

The NPP’s conduct is not new. Historically, their roots in the United Party (UP) tradition reveal a track record of political unrest and destabilising tactics whenever they lose political power. This inherited posture of resistance to democratic checks and balances has evolved, not disappeared. Their reaction to accountability measures, particularly involving alleged financial impropriety, suggests an entrenched sense of entitlement — a belief that they are above the law.

The current government must not take these threats lightly. There is no room for complacency when individuals with influence begin to use language that undermines national unity. President John Mahama and his security team must take every legal and constitutional step necessary to safeguard the peace and stability of the country.

This includes strengthening surveillance on individuals within the NPP whose statements or actions suggest a willingness to engage in subversion. Security agencies must be empowered to act pre-emptively to foil any attempt to create unrest, be it through incitement, sabotage, or mobilisation of mercenary elements — a tactic not alien to Ghana’s political history.

Ghanaians chose democracy. They chose accountability, not vendetta. But democracy without justice is hollow, and peace without responsibility is fragile. The attempt to blackmail the nation into silence under the threat of chaos cannot and must not be allowed to succeed.

It is incumbent upon civil society, the media, religious bodies, and every peace-loving Ghanaian to remain vigilant and vocal. We cannot afford to let a group that was roundly rejected at the ballot box now attempt to hold the nation hostage simply to escape the consequences of their own actions.

Ghana must move forward. The law must take its course. And those who undermine our peace in the name of politics must be met with firm resolve.