The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by John Dramani Mahama, of growing intolerance and a blatant disregard for the rule of law and constitutional freedoms.
At a press conference, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said the Mahama-led administration has shown “no respect for the rule of law, no respect for individual liberties, and no respect for freedom of speech and expression.”
He warned that the current political climate reflects a troubling pattern, adding, “No condition is permanent, and one day the tables will turn.”
According to him, although the NDC has been in office for a year, it often resorts to diversionary tactics to shift public attention away from pressing national concerns.
Citing Chapter Five, Article 21 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, Mr. Kodua Frimpong stressed that freedom of speech and expression must be upheld at all times, accusing the government of undermining these rights.
He alleged that the administration is cultivating a culture of silence by targeting critics. “We are seeing a situation where individuals who express their views on government decisions are arrested, detained, and prosecuted,” he claimed.
The NPP further pointed to cases involving content creators and political figures, alleging that individuals such as Fante Comedy and Adenta Kumi, as well as party figures including Chairman Wontumi and Osei Assibey, have faced legal action largely due to their criticism of the government.
Mr. Kodua Frimpong also accused the government of intolerance, contrasting it with the tenure of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. “Even in the face of harsh criticism and offensive remarks, the previous administration remained tolerant,”he stated.
He called on the media, describing it as the “fourth estate,” to highlight these developments and hold authorities accountable.
Additionally, Mr. Kodua Frimpong alleged that the IGP has created an office—a unit within the security apparatus—tasked with monitoring social media to identify critics of the government, which he claims is being used to arrest and detain such individuals. He described the situation as worrying and a setback to democratic governance.
He further claimed that some judges have turned into “remand judges,” frequently ordering the detention of individuals accused of criticising the Mahama administration.
In a related development, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye accused the government of weaponising state institutions following the arrest and remand of party communicator Baba Amando.
Describing the incident, Mr. Boakye said, “This is not policing. This is political victimisation and harassment using state institutions.” He further labelled the arrest as “a state-sponsored political abduction disguised as law enforcement.”
According to him, Baba Amando honoured a police invitation in Sunyani on April 13, 2026, but was later transported to Accra on what was described as “orders from above.” Despite being granted police bail, he was arraigned before court and remanded for two weeks.
The NPP argued that the prosecution neither opposed bail nor requested remand, raising concerns about what it described as judicial overreach.
The party also criticised the judiciary, alleging that some judges are increasingly ordering remand in cases involving government critics. It further accused institutions like the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) of conducting unlawful raids and acting as tools for political intimidation.
Mr. Boakye warned that such actions threaten Ghana’s democratic foundations. “Ghana risks eroding its democratic gains if these practices persist,” he cautioned.
The NPP is therefore demanding an immediate review of the remand order, an end to what it calls the weaponisation of law enforcement agencies, and a probe into alleged judicial bias.
The party also urged President Mahama to refocus his administration on addressing key national challenges, including the rising cost of living, high fuel prices, unemployment, and the plight of cocoa farmers.
“Ghanaians did not vote for vendettas. They voted for jobs, stability, and economic relief,” Mr. Boakye emphasised.
The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to shift attention to fulfilling his campaign promises, instead of what it describes as the growing arrest and detention of critics.
According to the party, Ghanaians voted the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into power based on assurances of economic relief and improved living conditions, but these expectations are yet to be fully met.
The NPP expressed concern over the hardships facing key sectors of the economy, particularly cocoa farmers. “Cocoa farmers are crying,” the party stated, pointing to challenges affecting their livelihoods.
It also highlighted the rising cost of fuel and transportation, describing them as major burdens on citizens. The party noted that these economic pressures continue to affect daily life and require urgent government intervention.
The NPP further criticised what it called a troubling pattern of arrests involving individuals who openly criticise government policies and decisions. It alleged that some citizens expressing concerns over governance and national issues are being picked up and detained.
“We are seeing a situation where people who express their views on certain decisions and activities of this government are arrested and taken to court,” the party stated.
The NPP is therefore urging President Mahama to prioritise addressing pressing national concerns and uphold democratic principles, including freedom of speech and expression.
The party maintains that governance should focus on improving livelihoods rather than targeting dissenting voices, stressing that the expectations of Ghanaians must be met.
The NPP maintains that freedom of expression remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy and insists that dissenting views must not be criminalised, calling for the immediate release of Baba Amando and a renewed commitment to the rule of law.
Credit: NANA ACHIAA ABOAGYE
