'You've done worse before so what's the demo for?' — Solomon Owusu question's NPP's 'Democracy Under Attack' demo
Communications Director of the United Party, Solomon Owusu, says the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has no justification for staging nationwide protests under the theme "Democracy Under Attack."
Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show on Thursday, August 6, Mr Owusu argued that the demonstration was politically motivated rather than driven by genuine concerns about Ghana's democratic governance.
He said that the protest was deliberately timed to coincide with the national remembrance of the eight people who died in the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash, including two ministers, three Ghana Armed Forces personnel and three other officials.
"They have no business whatsoever being on the street. I say it from the heart of my heart. I think they decided to do this demonstration just to mar the one-year anniversary of our departed souls. That is all they are talking about," he said.
The NPP is holding protests across the country, claiming recent developments under the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) pose a threat to Ghana's democracy.
Mr Owusu questioned the basis of the party's concerns, particularly claims that people were being arrested for expressing their views.
"What did we see? That people have been arrested for speaking? Is that the truth? Is that the case? Is that what you believe in?" he asked.
He also accused the NPP of hypocrisy. "Fortunately, I have been a member of the NPP before. There has not been any political party that has insulted more than the NPP, and it started long ago," he said.
"As recent as 2002, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko referred to [former President] Professor Mills as a poodle. So what exactly are we discussing here?" he added.
Touching on the NPP's concerns over the reported arrest of 21 individuals, Mr Owusu said the party had ignored comparable incidents during its time in office.
He cited the 2024 Democracy Hub #OccupyJulorBiHouse protests, during which dozens of demonstrators were arrested, arguing that the NPP's current position lacked consistency.
"So, for this reason, they have no business whatsoever being on the streets," he said.