NPP Hits the Streets Today with ‘Democracy Under Attack’ Protest
The opposition party says the protest is aimed at defending the rule of law, judicial independence and Ghana's democratic principles.
- NPP stages ‘Democracy Under Attack’ protest in Accra
- Petitions to be presented to Supreme Court and Jubilee House
- Party cites alleged political persecution and selective justice
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is today, Thursday, August 6, staging its much-publicised “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration in Accra to protest what it describes as growing threats to Ghana’s democracy, the rule of law and constitutional governance.
According to the party, the nationwide protest is aimed at drawing attention to what it calls political persecution, selective justice and the alleged misuse of state institutions under the current administration.
Among the issues the NPP says prompted the demonstration is the acquittal and discharge of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, which the party argues raises concerns about the consistency and fairness of the country’s justice system.
The opposition party is also protesting what it describes as the arbitrary arrest, detention and harassment of some of its members by state security and investigative agencies, insisting such actions are politically motivated and intended to intimidate the opposition.
Thousands of party executives, supporters and sympathisers from across the country are expected to participate in the demonstration, which begins at the forecourt of the Supreme Court in Accra.
At the first stop, NPP leaders will present a petition to the leadership of the Supreme Court, expressing concerns over recent judicial decisions and calling for stronger protection of judicial independence and the rule of law.
Afterwards, the demonstrators will march through selected principal streets of the capital before proceeding to the Jubilee House, where a second petition will be presented to President John Dramani Mahama.
The petition is expected to urge the President to address what the NPP describes as increasing attacks on democratic institutions and to ensure that state agencies operate independently, fairly and without political interference.
The NPP maintains that the demonstration is not solely about the party’s grievances but about safeguarding Ghana’s democratic values, constitutional rights and freedoms.
Meanwhile, security agencies have deployed personnel along the protest route to maintain law and order, regulate traffic and ensure the safety of demonstrators and the general public throughout the exercise.
