'Democracy under attack': NPP presents petitions to Supreme Court, Presidency

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Thursday concluded its "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration with the presentation of a petition to the Presidency at the forecourt of Jubilee House after earlier submitting a separate petition to the Supreme Court.

Led by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the party said the demonstration was intended to draw attention to what it describes as growing threats to Ghana's democratic governance, including alleged political persecution, selective justice and the misuse of state institutions.

According to the NPP, the petitions highlight concerns over developments it believes undermine the rule of law, judicial independence and public confidence in the country's democratic institutions.

Among the issues raised were the Court of Appeal's acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo and the 20-year prison sentence handed to the party's Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The party argued that the developments raise questions about the fairness, consistency and impartiality of Ghana's justice system.

Hundreds of supporters, clad in the NPP's symbolic red and black attire, joined the march through the principal streets of Accra. The demonstration attracted senior party officials, Members of Parliament, former government appointees and grassroots supporters.

The presentation of the petition at Jubilee House was briefly delayed after security personnel restricted members of the media from entering the inner perimeter to cover the event. NPP leaders insisted that journalists be granted access before the ceremony proceeded.

A second disagreement arose when Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah arrived to receive the petition on behalf of the Presidency. The party initially declined to hand over the document, insisting that it had expected either President John Dramani Mahama or the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to receive it personally.

NPP leaders described the absence of the Chief of Staff as a slight to the concerns contained in the petition.

Following discussions between officials from both sides, however, the party agreed to present the petition to Nana Yaa Jantuah, who assured the delegation that it would be formally delivered to the Presidency.