NPP secures Police approval for August 6 protest over Sedina Tamakloe acquittal

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has obtained police approval to hold a demonstration on Thursday, August 6, in protest against the Court of Appeal's decision to acquit and discharge former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu.

The planned protest follows the appellate court's ruling, which overturned Ms Tamakloe-Attionu's conviction and 10-year prison sentence imposed by the Accra High Court.

Speaking to the media after receiving approval from the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, the NPP's National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, announced that demonstrators would assemble at the Supreme Court before marching to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Jubilee House and Parliament.

According to him, the demonstration is aimed at protesting what the party describes as selective justice, interference with the judiciary, restrictions on free speech and a decline in democratic governance.

“On Friday, July 31, we submitted our notice to stage a mammoth demonstration over what we describe as selective justice, interference with the judiciary and the repressive bail conditions imposed on members of the opposition.

“Today, democracy is under attack. We are witnessing the suppression of free speech and the criminalisation of free expression. Our democracy is dying, and this is not what President Mahama promised.

“We intend to stage this demonstration to press home our demand that democracy must be protected. On Thursday, August 6, at 5:00 a.m., we will assemble in front of the Supreme Court before proceeding to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and then to the Jubilee House. We will also present a petition to Parliament through a designated representative,” he said.

The NPP says the protest forms part of its efforts to draw public attention to issues it believes threaten the country's democratic institutions and the rule of law.