(VIDEO) NPP Leadership Petitions UN Over Alleged Government Harassment

The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Ghana over what it describes as alleged harassment and intimidation of its members and supporters by state authorities.

The party claims that individuals perceived to be critical of the government are being targeted through state security agencies, a situation it says is fostering a “culture of silence” and undermining democratic freedoms.

Speaking to the media after submitting the petition, the NPP National Youth Organiser, Abdul Salam Mustapha, accused the administration of President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of using state institutions to intimidate political opponents.

He argued that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode democratic accountability and discourage citizens from freely expressing dissenting views.

Mustapha further stated that the party had been assured the petition would be forwarded through the UN system, including to the UN Secretary-General, for international attention.

The NPP, he added, would continue to defend its members and supporters against what it considers unfair treatment by state authorities, insisting that no individual should be punished for expressing political opinions.

He warned that the party would respond firmly if the alleged harassment continues, stressing that its leadership remains committed to protecting its members.

Among those present during the submission of the petition were the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed, who also serves as Second Deputy Minority Whip, and the NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, along with other party officials.

The National Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Jennifer Oforiwaa Queen, has called on the government to refrain from what she describes as the intimidation and harassment of citizens, particularly members of the opposition party.

She argued that comments made by opposition figures should not be interpreted as acts of hatred or attempts to discredit the government, but rather as contributions intended to help guide national leadership in the right direction. According to her, the government must tolerate differing views as part of a healthy democratic process. 

Jennifer Oforiwaa Queen emphasised that freedom of expression is essential to strengthening governance and accountability, urging authorities to avoid actions that could discourage citizens from speaking openly on national issues.

She further cited an example involving recent developments in South Africa, noting that it was pressure from NPP Minority Members of Parliament that contributed to the government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaian citizens during reported security concerns.

She described this intervention as a positive demonstration of constructive opposition engagement in national decision-making.

From Martin Kwabena Ahwireng Quaye